Don't get taken in by bogus water board callers
Monday, 23rd August 2010.
Trading standards officers in Suffolk are reminding residents that there is no such thing as 'the Water Board' and anyone calling at their home claiming to be from the organisation would be a bogus caller.
Tony Doorly, senior trading standards officer, said: “The Water Board does not exist and has not existed for a number of years, therefore anyone at your door claiming to work for them is not telling the trust.
“Although the majority of people who knock at your door will be genuine it’s still important to take simple steps to avoid becoming a victim.
"The simple routine of 'lock, stop, chain, check' can prevent an offender gaining access to your home.
"In addition any genuine caller will show ID and will be happy to wait for you to check this over the phone, and utility companies also use a password scheme.
“If you’re in any doubt about the person at your door you can check their ID with the relevant water company by calling 0845 782 0 999.
"They hold the details of all water company workers and can confirm whether the person standing at your door is genuine or not.”
Det Chief Insp Dave Cutler said: “If any stranger calls at your house unexpectedly or uninvited and is trying to sell you anything or gain access to your property, then ask for identification and, if need be, verify this with the organisation they are purporting to be from.
"If they are genuine, they won’t mind waiting several minutes for you to do this. If they are unable to provide any identification, then turn them away. If you’re suspicious of their activity, then call us on the emergency number.”
Tony Doorly, senior trading standards officer, said: “The Water Board does not exist and has not existed for a number of years, therefore anyone at your door claiming to work for them is not telling the trust.
“Although the majority of people who knock at your door will be genuine it’s still important to take simple steps to avoid becoming a victim.
"The simple routine of 'lock, stop, chain, check' can prevent an offender gaining access to your home.
"In addition any genuine caller will show ID and will be happy to wait for you to check this over the phone, and utility companies also use a password scheme.
“If you’re in any doubt about the person at your door you can check their ID with the relevant water company by calling 0845 782 0 999.
"They hold the details of all water company workers and can confirm whether the person standing at your door is genuine or not.”
Det Chief Insp Dave Cutler said: “If any stranger calls at your house unexpectedly or uninvited and is trying to sell you anything or gain access to your property, then ask for identification and, if need be, verify this with the organisation they are purporting to be from.
"If they are genuine, they won’t mind waiting several minutes for you to do this. If they are unable to provide any identification, then turn them away. If you’re suspicious of their activity, then call us on the emergency number.”
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