The sick bogus water officials who are preying on flood victims

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Criminals are taking advantage of the recent flooding to pose as bogus water officials.

A number of Thames Water customers have reported suspicious callers claiming to be from the water company visiting their homes and trying to gain access.

None of the residents visited have allowed the bogus callers in but the company is warning people to be on their guard.

They say that Thames Water employees "generally do not turn up unannounced" but during the flooding they have been visiting customers to check how badly affected they are.

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Thames Water: 'It is despicable that criminals may be trying to take advantage of people who are affected by flooding'

Mike Tempest, director of customer services, said: "It is despicable that criminals may be trying to take advantage of people who are affected by flooding and are particularly vulnerable at this time.

The real thing: Thames Water

"Thames Water employees generally do not turn up at customers' properties unannounced. However, our response to the flooding in our region means that we are visiting people's homes to check whether their gardens or back yards have been flooded and to start cleaning up.

"This unfortunately means there is a greater risk that bogus callers may attempt to gain access to customers' homes by pretending that they work for us."

The company advised customers who are visited by callers claiming to be from either Thames Water or "the Water Board" to ask for photographic ID and check the card is not out of date and ask the caller to wait outside and contact Thames Water on 0845 9200 800 to check their credentials.

If they think the caller is bogus, they should send him or her away and contact the police immediately.

Customers can also register with Thames Water's doorstep password scheme by calling 0845 9200 800.

 

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