A man who told an El Segundo resident he was a health inspector looking into a water leak Feb. 11, prompting a warning that he might be a con artist, was really a health inspector, police said Tuesday.

Police issued the warning about the possibility of distraction burglars working in the city after the resident reported the suspicious man, but later determined he was an official Los Angeles County Department of Public Health employee.

The inspector was doing an unannounced inspection of an apartment complex to check for potential hazards, police said. The agency conducts “surprise” inspections at apartment buildings and condominiums with five units or more to ensure housing is safe, sanitary and fit for human habitation, police said.

Police said authorized health inspectors carry Los Angeles County identification cards.

Some burglars tell victims they are government employees or utility workers to enter homes. Police said that makes it difficult to know who is legitimate and suggested anyone who is unsure should call police.

— Larry Altman