A WATER company is urging residents to always ask for identification from people claiming to be working for them.

Thames Water has issued the warning after an elderly man in Woodley was robbed by fraudsters claiming to be employees of the company.

Customers are being encouraged to sign up to the doorstep password scheme, where they can set up a personal password to be given by any Thames Water employee that visits their property.

Thames Water’s counter fraud manager Stuart Orchard, said: “The message is simple: if in doubt, keep them out. We send our engineers out with clear identification badges and if you’re still not sure, phone us to confirm before letting them in.

"Don’t assume because they’re in a van which has Thames Water written on it, or wearing jackets with our logo, they’re genuine employees, because that isn’t necessarily the case.

“Our customers’ safety is our top priority so please be vigilant when answering the door to anyone claiming to be from Thames Water or the ‘water board’. Be alert and be aware.”

Anyone who suspects a bogus caller can call Thames Water’s helpline 0800 316 9800 to verify their identity.

For more information on the Doorstep Password Scheme, call 0800 316 9800 or visit https://www.thameswater.co.uk/Help-and-Advice/Customer-Commitment/Priority-services/Bogus-callers.


Top tips for keeping yourself safe from bogus callers:

  • Avoid keeping large amounts of money in your home.
     
  • If a bogus caller attempts to, or manages to get into your home, inform the police immediately.
     
  • Beware of anyone claiming to be from ‘the water board’ as the ‘water board’ no longer exists.
     
  • Examine the caller’s identity card.
     
  • Make sure your next caller is genuine – if the caller says they are from the water company, ring your relevant company to check their identity.  A genuine caller will not mind waiting.
     
  • Make sure your front and back doors are locked at all times.
     
  • Use your door chain while checking the caller’s identity.  Speak to them through a locked door – accept their identity card through your letterbox.