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Doorstep Fraud Alert

One or more people are attempting to gain access to council housing claiming to be from the owners. Gas and Electric supplier. If you challenge them they will say they wish to talk to the bill payer but be unable to name him/her.

They may be able to tell you who your supplier is but unable to tell you what you customer number is. In short they are not telling you the whole story.

When you answer they may say some like "gas and electricity" or "electricity man" or some other not-quite-a-lie designed to mislead you. They are targeting people on low incomes as users of prepayment meters seems to be a favoured target.

If your energy supplier wish to contact you they will write or phone. The only reason they will need property access is carry out repairs or inspection to your meter. To do this they will always make an appointment first.

Why would an agent visit you but not know essential details (such as your name or customer number Thanet Star do not know if this is fraud, burglary or an underhand sales attempt but you should on no conditions allow these people anywhere near the inside of your home. Any one prepared to mislead to make a sale (best case scenario) is probably not worth trusting to buy from.

They were last reported active in the Dane Valley area. Be safe. Shut the door. If you feel worried dial 999.

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Public Comments

Laura Probert wrote:

We had young men round in the Hereson area of Ramsgate recently too claiming that the people who billed me for my electricity and gas were a different company from my supplier - obviously trying to get me to change my supplier - I don't do deals on doorsteps so soon sent them packing especially when he got quite aggressive about me not reading/acting on a letter his organisation was supposed to have sent me.
04/12/2008 11:55:25 AM

Matt B wrote:

this is starting to sound very fraudulent. I wonder if the local police offers might have something to say on the subject?
04/12/2008 04:00:36 PM

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