KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) is once again warning the public against making payments to individuals or teams who are posing as JPS workers and offering to reconnect electricity for a fee.

The warning follows the arrest of a man involved in the alleged impersonation of a JPS worker in Westmoreland.

It is reported that the individual in question, who is neither a JPS worker nor contractor, was brought in for soliciting payment from residents and promising to have their electricity reconnected.

This is the second time JPS is issuing this warning in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl.

The first time the company alerted the public was just two days after the passage of the hurricane when reports of unscrupulous activities had emerged, following the damage to the electrical infrastructure.

The company is reminding the public that every legitimate JPS worker will have their photo IDs on their person and that no JPS worker will be soliciting payment to have lights reconnected.

Noting that the practice is unethical and illegal, JPS reiterated that the act puts the lives of the culprits and the customers who are paying them in danger as well as endangers the JPS workers who are currently on the ground interfacing with the lines and electrical infrastructure.

It added that engaging in the practice could significantly set back its restoration efforts.

Customers may make reports about impersonators, by calling the JPS Customer Care Centre at 888CALLJPS or 888-225-5577 (Flow) or 888-935-5577 (Digicel customers).