How to avoid bogus callers

Everyone deserves to feel safe and secure in their home. Unfortunately, bogus callers pretending to be officials will sometimes try to target vulnerable individuals.

Always ask for proof of identity

The first and easiest way to avoid bogus callers is to always ask for proof of identity. This goes for both people claiming to be from Southern Water or any other company.

All Southern Water employees or representatives calling on our behalf will carry identity cards with them. They should show you their card when they arrive, but don't be afraid to ask to see it or to take a closer look.

You can find more information on checking identity cards and what other steps you can take to ensure the caller is from Southern Water below.

A Southern Water worker looking at equipment

How to check the identity of our teams

A Southern Water engineer talks to a customer in their garden with another employee visible in the background

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Check their identity card

All our employees and people calling on our behalf carry an identity card with their photograph and name on it. They must show you this. If they offer an identity card, take it. If they do not offer you an identity card, ask to see one.

Elderly customer looking at the Southern Water website

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Password scheme

You can also contact us and ask to join our password scheme. With this, you can choose your own password and we'll only give this to people who need to visit your home. Ask them to quote the password you have agreed with us. Use a word you find easy to remember.

An older person holds a mobile phone up to their ear

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If you're still unsure

If you're not sure that a visitor or caller works for Southern Water or one of our agents, phone us on 0330 303 0368 and check that we sent them. This is available 24 hours a day and calls are charged at the local rate.

Call 0330 303 0368

Other ways to keep yourself safe

If you're feeling unsure about someone at your door, you should always:

fasten your security chain before you open your door. If you don't have a security chain, talk through the letterbox but don't open your door (you should consider getting a security chain fitted as soon as possible)
ask for their identity card. Take the card and look at it to make sure they are who they say they are
if you're still uncertain, phone 999 and ask for the police. Give them your name and address when they answer and say you are frightened by a strange visitor.

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How to avoid bogus callers

Always ask for proof of identity

How to check the identity of our teams

Check their identity card

Password scheme

If you're still unsure

Other ways to keep yourself safe

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