new scam on the block

We have heard recently of a new scam. What happens is a company rings up to say you drain is blocked and needs flushing/cleaning. When asked if they are a genuine company they say you can find them in the phone book. One couple and another 90 yr old on the other side of the road both had the same phone call. The elderly lady declined but the other people today had them poking around for 2 hours in the drains from the back garden. I don't know the outcome yet but sound decidely dodgy to me. For a start how would they have discovered a drain was blocked in a private residence?????

Re: new scam on the block

Why can't folk learn to put the phone down??!!

Re: new scam on the block

Shouldn't the title be "new scam on the block"? as you yourself said you don't know the outcome.

Re: new scam on the block

Here is a possible explanation.

They wanted to hide something away from their own homes.

Re: new scam on the block

One does wonder. In any case, isn't there a number one can ring to report/query it?

Re: new scam on the block

I'd have thought genuine workmen would have their firms name and phone number on their van.
Failing that, I would ring the water authority you pay your bills to.

Re: new scam on the block

Precisely.

Re: new scam on the block

nothing to stop that being false as well

Re: new scam on the block

Not all do, some are prohibited.
I have my company name on only one of my vans. As we contract out some of our clients stipulate we don't use signwritten vans as this advertises the fact the company employs subcontractors.

Re: new scam on the block

Ooer.

But I think companies like Anglian Water would surely have marked vans.
With all the crime going on round here lately, I would be suspicious if an unmarked van turned up here and strangers said they needed access to my garden drains!