Exploding toilet risk for young and old

November 22, 5:48 PMScam ExaminerKarin Malchow

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For the last few months, a number of scam artists posing as water company workers have victimized senior citizens in New Jersey.   Some demand money for nonexistent services or threaten to turn the water off, while others keep the occupant busy as a confederate steals cash. 

In 2007, United Water warned of a similar scam when con artists purported to check water for arsenic, taking advantage of tainted well news reports.

During a recent incident in Jersey City, the thief worked alone, but kept the 91-year-old victim out of the way by instructing her to hold the toilet handle down or the house would explode.

Only days earlier, an exploding toilet incident reportedly did occur, but it involved a German teenager spraying an aerosol and lighting a lighter while sitting in the bathroom.  The resulting blast sent him out the window, suffering severe burns.  His dad remarked, "He knows he was a bit dim."

Please remind seniors living alone to check for a company truck, uniform and identification.  If there is any question, a real employee will gladly wait outside while a resident makes a confirmation call to the utility company (and not from the number the con artist may give). 

Also, remind teenagers you know not to light flammable gasses on the toilet or anywhere else.