Hernando County warns residents after door-to-door scam posing as utility workers

A homeowner in Hernando County stopped two people who knocked at his door and claimed to be from the Hernando County Utilities Department seeking to "test" water quality for impurities; the visitor's unmarked vehicle prompted suspicion, the resident declined entry and contacted HCUD after the March 4, 2026 report. Brooksville is cited as the county seat in county communications, and county officials said the incident prompted a formal public alert.

Hernando County Utilities Department officials issued the warning and said the county is acting to protect residents. In an HCUD statement officials said, "This scam is alarming, and HCUD is taking immediate action to alert residents and protect them from potential scams or dangerous situations." The department supplied a direct reporting line for suspected fraud at 352‑754‑4037 and an email address at hcudcs@hernandocounty.us; officials also reminded residents to call 911 if they are in immediate danger.

HCUD reiterated verification practices for anyone who says they are performing county work at a residence: when conducting official business and visiting properties, Hernando County employees will always display proper identification, including an official county badge, and will use a clearly marked county vehicle. The department explicitly advised residents not to provide personal information or grant access to their property to persons who cannot show that identification.

The two individuals reported at the door were described only as a pair; they told the homeowner they needed access to homes to test water quality. Accounts of the visit say they went door-to-door through the neighborhood and requested access to homes, though no exact number of houses approached was provided and no source reported that any water samples were actually taken or that any home was entered.

The resident who reported the encounter contacted HCUD customer service using the department's proper service number and alerted authorities. As of March 5, 2026, HCUD and county communications did not disclose any arrests, a law enforcement agency investigating the incident, or additional identifying details such as vehicle descriptions or photographs.

HCUD said the alert followed the March 4, 2026 report and urged continued vigilance: confirm that anyone claiming to be a county employee can properly identify themself with the official county badge and vehicle, and report suspected scams to 352‑754‑4037 or hcudcs@hernandocounty.us. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.