Bogus Gas Officials Target Wynthenshawe Residents

1 November 2011, 13:20 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Police say bogus officials, claiming to be from the National Grid to help with gas cut off compensation, are targeting Wynthenshawe residents.

Shortly before 10.40am on Tuesday 1 November 2011, police were called by the National Grid following a complaint by a resident living in Poundswick, Manchester.

At about 9pm the previous evening (Monday 31 October 2011), a man went to the woman's house, claiming to be from the National Grid.

The man asked the woman for her bank details so she could receive compensation due to her gas being off.

Sergeant Mark Penn, from the Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Around 2,000 residents have been affected by the recent burst water main which has left them without gas and now it appears some unscrupulous thief is trying to take advantage of them.

I would strongly urge residents not to give out their bank details under any circumstances.

If you do have someone call at your house asking for this information please call the National Grid or police.

While workmen are operating in the area I would also stress the importance of not letting strangers into your house without first checking their identification and verifying who they are as genuine callers will not mind you doing this."


TIPS TO SPOT PREVENT BOGUS CALLERS

- Keep all external doors locked at all times, whether you are at home or not.
- Stop and think before you open the door. If possible, look out of the window or use a door viewer (spy-hole) to check whether you know the caller.
- If you have a door bar or chain, put it on before opening the door and don't open the door completely until you are happy with the caller's identity.
- Always ask for the caller to show identification. A genuine caller will be happy for you to check this with their employer.
- If you have not got a door bar or chain, ask the caller to push their identity card through the letterbox.
- If you still have any doubts, ask them to call back when a family member, friend or neighbour can be present. Genuine callers would never wish to cause distress, and would be happy to call again.
- An outside light over your door will help you to see a caller clearly if it is dark.
- Remember that friends, neighbours and relatives can help by setting up password schemes or acting as a nominated neighbour.