News
Stay alert to bogus callers, says Severn Trent
26th July 2016
Severn Trent has warned its customers to be vigilant after receiving reports that callers from ‘The Water Board’ have been trying to gain entry to people’s homes.
Recent reports in both the East and West Midlands have followed similar patterns of individuals trying to con their way into people’s homes by claiming to work in the water sector.
Hilary Bennet, head of customer contact at Severn Trent, said: “We can’t stress how important it is for customers to check the identity of the person knocking on the door. It doesn’t matter how convincing they look, if they work for us they’ll be carrying an identity card and you can check that they’re legitimate by ringing 0345 604 1655.
“We’d also never try to get access to a customer’s house to fix pipes or to fit meters without making an appointment first and, even then, if anyone has any doubts, they should call us to double check."
“Our phone lines are manned 24-hours a day, seven days a week, and our employees fully expect customers to check their identity, either with a card or a call, and they’ll wait while you carry out the necessary checks.”
In addition, Severn Trent would never ask customers to pay for a service on the doorstep or ask for bank details over the telephone.