EAST CHICAGO | A west side senior citizen told police that a man claiming to be an East Chicago Water Department employee scammed her out of $100 on Tuesday.

The 84-year-old resident said she had just returned to her home in the 1400 block of West 148th Street after shopping when the man came to her back door at 11:30 a.m. and claimed to be checking water service in her neighborhood.

She said the man directed her to the basement and asked her to turn on the water. She said she then heard footsteps above her, and the purported utility worker told her that it was his assistant checking the kitchen water tap.

The man then pulled out a $100 bill and asked her if she had change. She said she gave him two $50s from her purse, and he said he had to go out and get his receipt book, and would be right back.

When the man didn't return, the resident said she went upstairs to find that both her front and back doors were open, though nothing appeared to be missing except her $100.

The fake water department employee was described as dark-complected, around 5 feet, 8 inches tall, wearing a dark-colored cap, speaking with an accent and driving a white, work-type truck.

Police are reminding residents that all city employees and legitimate utility workers carry official identification and will show it on demand. They recommend calling 911 if a suspicious person comes to a door.