Beware of unlicensed solicitors trying to access your home

Published on August 10, 2025

Solicitors representing themselves as members of the “California Efficiency Group” (falsely claiming to work for the Lakewood Water Resources Department) have been going door-to-door recently, attempting to enter homes by offering to test your water.   

Also, individuals are reportedly posing as city workers claiming to conduct a “smart water survey” on behalf of the Lakewood Water Resources Department. 

Be assured that the City of Lakewood is not testing water nor conducting any survey and will never arrive at your door unannounced or without an appointment and ask to come inside your home. Any official city activity will always involve clearly marked city vehicles and uniformed staff with city identification.

What to do if a solicitor comes to your door

Properly licensed solicitors will have a physical copy of a City of Lakewood license to solicit and an employee ID badge with them and you may ask for both proofs of identification if you choose to speak with them.  

• Don’t answer…you always have that option.
• If you do answer, ask to see their Lakewood solicitor's license (see photo of sample license below) AND employee ID badge. 
• Be aware that a solicitor's license from L.A. County or another city is not acceptable, nor is a business license from Lakewood or another city. 
• If you suspect that a solicitor is unlicensed, please call the Lakewood Sheriff's Station business line at 562-623-3500 with a description of the solicitor so that a Deputy Sheriff or city Public Safety Officer can be dispatched to talk with the solicitor.  

It is a violation of the Lakewood Municipal Code to solicit door-to-door without a city solicitor's license, which requires a background check.

Lakewood public safety staff is prepared to investigate and issue citations to anyone who solicits without a license.