Bogus callers operating in Peterborough today claiming to be from Anglian Water

The firm confirmed this morning, Friday May 27, that is has received reports of fraudulent people posing as its employs and is urging residents to check the identification of any callers.

A spokesman for the company said: “Bogus callers may claim to be from Anglian Water or even from ‘the water board’ and they might look quite convincing too, but you can find out for sure with one quick free phonecall.

“Everyone calling on our behalf always carries an identity card which they will give you to inspect. It has a Braille strip on the back and the freephone number for Anglian Water.

“If you are still not sure, please take their card and close the door while you call us, any time of day or night, on 0800 145 145.

“Using our ‘Fitting Image’ scheme, we can describe the person on your doorstep and give you their unique number. Only a genuine Anglian Water employee will be able to tell you what that number is and if they can’t then our advice is simple. Don’t let them in and call the police.

The company also advocates four steps to safety - Lock Stop Chain Check.

• LOCK - make sure your back door is locked before you go to the front door

• STOP - think ‘Are you expecting anyone?’

• CHAIN - secure the door chain before opening it

• CHECK - ask for, and double-check, the caller’s identity. If you are in any doubt, don’t let them in.