Scams and fraud

Criminals sometimes use scams to pretend to be us, so it's important you know how to spot them and what to do if you are targeted.


How to spot different types of scams

Watch our video which covers how to spot:

  • bogus callers
  • phone call scams
  • text message scams
  • email scams
  • website scams
  • fake phone number scams

Bogus callers and distraction burglaries

A bogus caller may visit your home posing as a Wessex Water employee to try and get you to part with personal information or gain access to your property.

Anyone can be the target of a distraction burglary or in-person scams, but elderly or vulnerable customers are targeted the most.

 

Phone call scams

A criminal could call you pretending they work for us to try and get you to share your personal details or financial information.

These calls can come from real people and can also be automated.

Text message scams

A criminal may use scam text messages to convince you to click a malicious link or share sensitive information.

Email scams

Scam emails usually include links that will take you to a website which criminals use to steal your passwords or personal information or download viruses onto your device.

Website scams

A criminal could impersonate us to promote a fake website via text message, email or even a letter.

They will encourage you to access the website via a link or QR code to steal your passwords or personal information or download viruses onto your device.

Fake phone number scams

Some scammers use adverts to promote an unofficial Wessex Water telephone number when you search for our phone number online.

If rung, you could be charged an extortionate amount of money before being transferred to our official number.

To find the right number, please visit our contact us page.

How to stay safe on social media

We will never reach out to you on social media unless you have messaged us first.

If you want to check if an account belongs to us, our official accounts are listed below.