Sadly, in this day and age, there are unscrupulous people who may knock on your door pretending to be from your utility companies. They prey on unsuspecting householders and attempt to gain entry into your home under false pretences. They will often work in pairs and while one distracts you away from your door, the other may sneak in and steal from your home.
BE SAFE – BE SURE
Confirming a genuine caller
A genuine caller will always be happy to confirm who they are and which company they represent.
• Meter readers usually work alone, If more than one comes to your door only let one into your house.
• They will always carry an identity card and be more than willing to show it to you.
• They will, more than often, be wearing a company uniform with the water company’s logo on it.
• They will, more than often, have a company car or van parked locally.
• They will always be happy to wait outside your closed door, while you telephone your local authority to confirm who they are.
• If in doubt, do not let them into your home
• Always use your door chain.
• Always ask to see the callers company ID
• Check carefully that the photo on the card is the same as the person standing at your door
• Check that the card is not out of date or invalid
• Check that the card has not been tampered with in any way
• Check that the company logo shown on the card is the correct one (you can check this against a utility bill)
Always Remember
•It is your home and you do not have to allow anyone in.
• If you have any doubts and feel unsure of the identity of a caller – then DO NOT let them in.
• If you cannot obtain confirmation from your local authority or doubt that they are genuine, keep your door closed and ask them to go away.
If you feel really unsafe, call the police.
