A scam alert is in effect in Penticton after city officials received several reports of people impersonating municipal workers and bylaw officers.

The city issued the alert on Wednesday afternoon, March 26, and urged people to beware of two potential scams.

The first involves fraudsters impersonating city workers. They have reportedly been asking to enter homes and test the tap water.

In its alert, the city says while tap water inspections may be required on "rare occasions," residents can look for a City of Penticton vehicle or ask for city-issued ID to confirm the person is actually an employee.

"If in doubt, ask for their name and contact the city to confirm their identity," the alert reads. Residents can call the city's public work department at 250-490-2500.

The second scam reportedly involves people receiving text messages from bylaw services seeking payments for unpaid parking tickets.

In response to receiving reports of the scam, city officials stressed they don't send text messages asking for payment.

"We will send you a letter on official letterhead ahead asking you to pay any unpaid tickets," they added.