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Say bog off to bogus callers!

 

We want to do all we can to protect our customers from falling victim to both telephone scammers and doorstep criminals. The good news is that it’s really easy to turn the tables on fraudsters pretending to be from United Utilities by following some simple advice below.

  • If a call feels suspicious, it’s always best to trust your instincts. For example, we’ll never call you from a mobile number asking for your bank or credit card details.

    If in doubt, HANG UP. We’ll never pressure you to pay for services you’ve not requested from us and will be happy for you to check.

    Then CALL US on 0345 672 3723 to check if the caller is genuine.

    This advice also applies to TEXT messages - if they look suspicious or are asking for bank details, don’t click on any links. Call us on 0345 672 3723 to check.

  • Everyone who calls from United Utilities will carry an ID card. So if a person knocks on your door claiming to be from United Utilities, asking to enter your home to check your taps or toilet, ASK FOR THEIR ID CARD.

    Then, ask them to WAIT OUTSIDE and close the door while you CALL US on 0345 672 3723 to check they are genuine. We’ll always be happy to wait outside while you call us to check and will never pressure you to enter your home.

  • Why not register for our password scheme? Then, when we call you or visit your home, we will quote your password so you know the person is genuine. It’s free to register a password, click here to set this up.  

Some recent examples of scam callers

We thought it would be helpful to provide some recent examples when our customers have been targeted by scammers over the phone:

  • A customer from Salford reported a call from ‘Utility Water’ requesting to update his Direct Debit
  • A customer from Stockport received a call requesting a one-off payment of £39 for work completed on the drains in the area
  • A customer from Lytham St Annes received a call requesting a payment of £67 for pipe insurance
  • A customer on the Wirral received a call to reactivate plumbing and drains insurance
  • A customer in Ashton received a call from someone pretending to be from United Utilities trying to sell insurance for ‘land and property’
  • A customer in Carlisle received a call to ‘renew’ protection for burst pipes

Further support

OFCOM have produced some useful information on how to protect yourself from scammers and what to do if you think you’ve been the victim of a scam. You can find this information on their website.

Check callers to your door

If someone from our United Utilities team has to visit your home they will always show you their photo ID card. Sadly, not everyone is so trustworthy and some criminals will pretend to be from United Utilities to get into your home. There are some steps you can take to stay safe.