Beware of bogus workmen

Nov 24 2023 in your area safety

Cadent has received reports that ‘workmen’ are charging to clear up following repair work
Several reports received in the Chelmsford area following recent repairs
Always contact Cadent if you have concerns about how a repair site has been left

Cadent, the UK’s largest gas distribution network, has seen an increase in calls regarding workmen claiming that they are visiting homes to clear up after planned gas repair works have taken place, but then attempting to charge customers for the work.

Over the past few weeks, a number of calls have come through following a series of planned works in the Paddock Drive and Pump Lane areas of Chelmsford.

After Cadent’s engineers completed their work and left the area, residents have received calls at their door from ‘workmen’ saying that they are there to clean their driveways.

While these ‘workmen’ haven’t claimed to be from Cadent, there is a concern that some residents could be fooled and end up parting with money.

Eleanor Lewis, Cadent’s Head of Customer Experience in the East of England, said: “It is worrying to hear that bogus workmen are trying to scam residents following planned repairs that have taken place in the area.

“When one of our engineers arrives at your door, they will always show you their identification card. They also won’t be offended if you close the door and call us to check that they are who they claim to be. They are happy to wait on the doorstep until you are happy.

“Once our engineers have completed their work, they will always restore excavations to make sure that they are safe, and they will do their best to leave the site as clean as possible.

“If our customers are ever unhappy with how a job has been left by our engineers, they should contact our customer service team straight away on 0800 389 8000 and we will resolve the problem as quickly as we can.”

For more tips about door-to-door scams, please visit the Essex Police website - https://www.essex.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/fa/fraud/personal-fraud/door-to-door-courier-fraud/

Cadent

Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distribution network with a 200-year legacy. We are in a unique position to build on strong foundations whilst encouraging the curiosity to think differently and the courage to embrace change. Day to day we continue to operate, maintain and innovate the UK’s largest gas network, transporting gas safely and protecting people in an emergency. Our skilled engineers and specialists remain committed to the communities we serve, working day and night to ensure gas reaches 11 million homes from Cumbria to North London and the Welsh Borders to East Anglia, to keep your energy flowing.

Future of Gas: Here at Cadent we support the Government’s plans to reach Net Zero by 2050. That means we’re backing the introduction of hydrogen as a low carbon alternative to natural gas for the future. We know people love the controllability of gas and, with our network already in place, it makes sense to switch to the lower carbon alternative offered by hydrogen, which we believe can keep homes and businesses warm for generations to come.

Cadent manages the national gas emergency service free phone line on behalf of the gas industry - 0800 111 999*

Cadent Gas Ltd is owned by a consortium of global investors.

*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.