Welsh Water: 'Don't be caught out by bogus callers'

Dwr Cymru Welsh Water is urging customers in south Wales to be vigilant, following an increase of bogus calls in the area.

The water company is issuing the warning, after concerned customers called its contact centre to report suspicious phone calls from someone claiming to be from Welsh Water.

Welsh Water’s communications manager, Helen Smith, said: “We are aware that some customers have been told that their water will be off for three to eight days.

“We would like to assure customers that we always communicate planned water interruptions by posting information through the door but we would not ring them to let them know. If anyone is concerned we advise they call 0800 052 0130 to check if there is any planned work in their area.”

More than half of bogus caller related crimes committed in the UK are carried out by criminals pretending to be from a water company – and Welsh Water is also reminding customers about the measures they should take to reduce the chance of falling victim to bogus callers. If you are unsure about the identity of a person claiming to be from Welsh Water, don’t let them into your home.

Customers can ring the company on 0800 281 141 to confirm the caller’s identity and Welsh Water also operates a password scheme to help customers verify the identity of a caller from the company.

Information on this is available on the website www.dwrcymru.com, or by contacting the publications helpline on 0800 052 0138. Just ask for a copy of the ‘Additional Services’ booklet.

A short film about bogus callers can also be viewed at: http://www.dwrcymru.com/English/library/movies/boguscaller/movie.asp