A scam artist is posing as a water department employee to rob residents in Roseville, according to police.

Police say the man targeted three homes on Wednesday and hit one home last week.

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Police Describe Water Worker Scam

The culprit went to a home on Martin Road where an 83-year-old man lives. He reportedly told the homeowner his fees were overdue and he owed $41. Police say the homeowner slammed his door in the man's face.

The water employee imposter also visited a home on Bone Street and told a 79-year-old woman that everyone in the neighborhood was getting a $40 rebate, but that he needed change for a $100 bill. The woman reportedly went to get the money and he followed her into the home. Police say when she noticed she was being followed, she went into a bathroom and locked the door. The man apparently went through her belongings, but it was not known how much was taken.

In the third incident on Wednesday, the man went to the door of a 92-year-old man's home on Edwards Street. The scammer explained that there was a water main break in the area and he needed to check the color of the water inside the man's home. He also told the man he was due a $40 refund and needed change for a $100 bill.

Police say the homeowner gave the culprit $20. The scammer told the 92-year-old that he didn't like the new $20 bills, and asked for an older version. The man pulled an old $20 bill from an envelope and gave it to the culprit. When the homeowner went to check his water color as instructed, the scammer made off with the envelope full of money, according to police.

On April 23, the scam artist was accompanied by a woman when targeting a house on Hazelwood Street. The culprits apparently used the rebate scam and at some point entered the home. When the victim noticed they were inside, the two were reportedly ordered by the homeowner to leave the house. Police say the culprits fled the scene.

The man believed to be responsible for the scams is described as white, 30 to 40 years old, around 6 feet tall, with a dark complexion and a thin to medium build. His alleged female accomplice was described as white, 23 years old, with a dark complexion, long dark hair and wearing a white dress.

The getaway vehicles are said to be a silver car with tinted windows, a gray minivan and a black-and-white minivan.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Roseville Police Department at (586) 775-2100.