Bogus callers often pretend to be from a water, gas or telephone company to gain entry into someone’s home under false pretences. To discourage this, Thames Water operates a doorstep password scheme which is open to all their customers.
To register with their doorstep password scheme, customers just need to call Thames Water on 0845 641 0068. Lines are open weekdays from 8am to 8pm and on Saturday from 8am to 1pm (Minicom or Typetalk: 0845 7200 898).
They will be asked for their name and address and customer account number. They will also need to choose their password.
Once somebody has registered, any caller claiming to be from Thames Water must be able to quote the correct password before being let into the person’s home. If they’re unable to do this, the customer must keep their door shut and call Thames Water immediately on the numbers above.
Thames Water also advises people to check a door-step caller’s ID badge in the following way:
• Does the card photo show the person at the door?
• Is the card out of date?
• Has the card been tampered with?
• Does it show Thames Water’s logo?