CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- West Virginia American Water is warning its customers of reported imposters.

On Friday, a man posed as a water company employee and demanded payment from a Nitro business following a service call made by the company's staff.

West Virginia American Water employees do not accept payments during service calls and should present photo identification before entering homes and businesses, according to the company.

Water company employees typically do not need access inside homes and businesses to read meters, turn services on or off or to perform maintenance work, according to West Virginia American Water.

West Virginia American Water President Jeff McIntyre said in a news release, "We want our customers to feel secure when our field service employees visit their homes and businesses."

He continued, "Residents should be aware that all legitimate water company employees authorized to enter homes or businesses will be wearing logoed clothing and carry proper photo identification."

Most service calls are scheduled in advance, he said.

West Virginia American Water recommends that customers insist on seeing proper ID, check the service person's vehicle. If you have any doubts, do not let the person into your home or business and call 911.