
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, March 5, 1994                   TAG: 9403050093
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: GREG EDWARDS
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

FLIM-FLAM ARTISTS POSE AS APCO CREWS

Appalachian Power Co. has warned its customers that some unscrupulous tree cutters may take advantage of damage caused by the winter's storms and use Apco's name to get a foot in the door.

The power company said it's had at least one report of a customer in West Virginia being billed for tree work that the tree-cutters said they were doing for Apco.

"Anyone receiving a bill for work done on behalf of Appalachian Power should refuse to pay it and contact the power company immediately," said Roanoke Division Manager J.T. Eaton. The company pays contractors and subcontractors directly for work done for the company, he said.

Occasionally con artists also pose as power company employees to gain access to homes to sell electrical repairs and rewiring.

Appalachian employees carry photo identification cards. When someone claims to be doing work for the power company, ask to see an identification card, Eaton said.

by CNB