Beware Bogus Callers

30 October 2018

News

Anglian Water issue advice to help keep safe during the dark winter evenings.

Regan Harris from Anglian Water said:

"Unfortunately, this time of year, once the clocks have gone back, we hear of a lot more cases of people targeting vulnerable or elderly customers. All too often bogus callers will claim to be from the “water board” – even though this organisation hasn’t existed for 40 years. Hearing those two words should be a sure fire sign that something’s not right. We want all of our customers to feel safe in their own home which is why it’s important they know what to expect from a real Anglian Water employee."

Regan added:

"All of our employees carry identification and will happily hand it to you while you check it. Calling our freephone number at any time of day will put you through to a member of our team who’ll be able to describe the person to you and confirm they are a genuine employee. If in any doubt we urge customers to check with us and not be pressured into letting someone into their home."

Anglian Water is urging people to take extra care this winter to make sure they’re protected from bogus callers.

 

The number of reported cases of criminal activity goes up during the darker winter evenings, with many cases of distraction burglaries caused by bogus callers.

 

If a customer has any doubts or can’t remember making an appointment then it’s best to say no and close the door – a genuine employee will be happy to come back at a different time or wait while you check they are who they say they are.

 

Customers in any doubt should close the door and phone Anglian Water, for free, on 0800 145 145 or alert the police.

 

Top tips for staying safe

 

  • A genuine Anglian Water member of staff will always carry an ID card.
  • If you are unsure of a person’s identity, alert the police or call 0800 145 145.
  • Our call centre team will be able to describe the person to you and confirm they are a genuine employee.
  • Most Anglian Water staff will arrive in Anglian Water branded vans.
    Anglian Water staff would never force their way into someone’s home.
     

Anglian Water offers a freephone service if customers need to check a member of staff’s legitimacy. To do so, call 0800 145 145.

 

– Ends –

 

For more information contact:
Anglian Water Press Office on 0871 677 0123

 

Join our campaign for the future. It’s called Love Every Drop.
You can take part at a tap near you.
www.anglianwater.co.uk/loveeverydrop

 

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