As we head into the winter, we want to encourage you to remain vigilant over the coming months to protect yourself and loved ones from bogus callers. 

Bogus callers are people who can turn up unannounced and try to trick their way into your home to steal valuables and money.

According to the leading charity for older people, Age UK, almost a fifth of over-50s in the UK fear answering their phones because of scams, with 2.8 million fearing opening their doors for the same reason.

What does Cambridge Water do to protect customers from bogus callers?

We are committed to working with all our customers to make sure that everyone can feel safe within their own home.

All of our employees who you may come into contact with, including our customer liaison officers and leakage technicians, carry photo identity cards, which have unique numbers. If you call us to check on a visit, we’ll use this to check their name and reason for seeing you.

Our employees also wear Cambridge Water uniforms and will typically be in one of our branded vehicles; however, contractors working for us may not wear the same uniform or drive branded vehicles.

If someone uses the term ‘Water Board, ’ it’s not us – we don't use this phrase.

Password protection scheme

For added peace of mind, we have a password protection scheme.

If requested, you can create a password that you would like us to use if we call or visit you. If one of our employees visit, you can ask them to give you the password before you let them in.

Our password protection scheme is available to those on our Priority Services Register. More information on this can be found further down. 

Is there anything else I can do to protect myself from bogus callers?

If you are still unsure or nervous, and are not signed up to our password protection scheme, we recommend the following three-step approach if you receive an unexpected or unknown visitors:

1. Stop! – Are you expecting anybody?  Do they have an appointment?
2. Chain – Secure your door bar or chain before opening the door
3. Check – Ask for a double-check of the visitor’s ID.

Priority Services Register

We offer extra help to customers who may need more tailored support or have access needs through our Priority Services Register.

It is free to join, and through this, you can receive hands-on help in an emergency if your water goes off and help with your water bill. 

Sign up to our Priority Services Register

Learn more about our Priority Services Register and fill out our online form.