Oakdale police are warning residents to beware of phony letters purporting to be from city officials.
The letters, brought to the attention of police on Thursday, were addressed to residents of Olson Lake Trail and ordered them to call to schedule a plumbing system inspection because of “dihydrogen monoxide” in the area, according to an alert issued by the Oakdale Police Department.
“The letter at first glance appears to be mailed from the City of Oakdale,” the alert said. “IT WAS NOT!”
The phone number listed in the letterhead is not used by the city and begins with a South Dakota area code. The answering service tied to the number does not ask residents for money or ask them to take any action, but police said that could change.
The phony letters, which were dated Oct. 4, warn residents about the dangers of “DHMO” and caution them that “immediate action is required by law,” according to a copy posted online by the police department.
“Dihydrogen monoxide” is the chemical composition of water.