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High Point Residents Warned of Fake Inspector Scam

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  Published in Business and Finance on Tuesday, February 10th 2026 at 2:32 GMT by WXII 12 NEWS
      Locales: North Carolina, UNITED STATES

HIGH POINT, NC - February 10th, 2026 - High Point residents are being urged to remain vigilant following a recent surge in reports of individuals falsely claiming to be city inspectors in a bid to gain access to homes. The High Point Police Department (HPPD) issued a public safety announcement Monday, February 9th, detailing the escalating scam and providing crucial advice for protecting oneself and one's property.

The initial reports, which began trickling in late last week, indicated that individuals were going door-to-door in several High Point neighborhoods, identifying themselves as representatives of various city departments - including water, electrical, and even code enforcement. These individuals allegedly presented themselves as needing to conduct routine inspections, often citing vague regulations or purported issues in the area. While, thankfully, no injuries or property losses have been confirmed as of this morning, the HPPD is taking the situation seriously, believing this represents a potentially organized attempt at exploitation.

"The sophistication of this scam is concerning," stated Captain Evelyn Reed of the HPPD during a press conference this morning. "These aren't just individuals knocking on doors and quickly moving on when challenged. They're attempting to build rapport, offering seemingly legitimate explanations for their presence, and actively trying to circumvent homeowner skepticism. We've received reports of them even wearing clothing that resembles official city attire, though it's not authentic."

The HPPD has expanded its investigation beyond simply tracking the reported incidents. Detectives are currently analyzing patterns in the targeted neighborhoods, attempting to ascertain if there's a demographic or geographic preference among the perpetrators. They're also working with the City of High Point's various departments to establish a standardized verification process for legitimate inspectors.

How to Protect Yourself: A Multi-Layered Approach

The HPPD strongly advises residents to take the following steps to protect themselves:

• Never grant access without verification: This is the most critical step. Always demand official identification. Legitimate city inspectors carry photo identification issued by the City of High Point. Don't hesitate to scrutinize the ID carefully.
• Contact the City Directly: Before allowing anyone into your home, call the City of High Point's customer service line (336-883-3333) to verify the inspector's identity and the legitimacy of the purported inspection. You can also visit the city's official website ([ https://www.highpointnc.gov/ ]) to find contact information for specific departments.
• Be Wary of Unscheduled Visits: While some inspections are scheduled, legitimate city workers will usually provide prior notification, either through a letter, phone call, or email.
• Look for Official Vehicles: City inspectors typically operate out of clearly marked city vehicles. If someone arrives in an unmarked vehicle, be suspicious.
• Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, it probably is. Don't be afraid to politely but firmly refuse entry.
• Alert Neighbors: Share this information with your neighbors, particularly those who may be more vulnerable, such as the elderly or those living alone.

The HPPD is also reminding residents about the dangers of providing personal information to unknown individuals. Scammers often attempt to gather information that can be used for identity theft or other fraudulent activities.

"We're seeing a growing trend of these 'pretexting' scams," explained Detective Marcus Bell. "They use the guise of official authority to lower your guard. It's vital to remember that legitimate organizations will rarely, if ever, ask for sensitive information like Social Security numbers or bank account details during an unsolicited home visit."

The police department is actively encouraging anyone who has been approached by a suspected impersonator, or who has information that may assist in the investigation, to contact the HPPD immediately at 336-883-3333. Residents can also submit anonymous tips through the department's website. The HPPD plans to increase patrols in targeted neighborhoods to deter further incidents and provide a visible presence. The city government has also pledged full cooperation in addressing this concerning trend, emphasizing its commitment to the safety and well-being of High Point residents.