DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) — Police in Davenport are investigating after an 80-year-old woman fell victim to a scam artist who claimed he was checking water meters. KCRG-TV reports that Velma Holmes answered a knock on her door Thursday from a man claiming he was with Iowa American Water Co. She took him to the basement to show him her meter. The next day she realized money and valuables worth $20,000 were missing, including her wedding ring.

Experts encourage residents to make sure a company name is on the car of anyone who comes to the home. Iowa American Water Co. says their employees always carry a company-issued photo identification and will never enter a customer’s home demanding access or a payment to avoid shutting off water.