United Utilities have issued a warning about scam calls demanding payments from customers.
Since October 2024, the company has identified 79 customers who have received these calls from fraudsters pretending to be from their team.
The callers claim the customer has fallen behind on a payment, or their usage has increased.
Although the amounts they ask for are 'relatively small', once they get access to your card details, more money can go missing.
United Utilities, the only water company in the North West, says this might make it harder for people to know if a call is genuine.
In response, the company has shared some tips to help protect people.
If you think a call could be a hoax, hang up immediately, as United Utilities will never call you from a mobile number asking for your bank or card details.
They will not be offended if you hang up and call back using the 0345 numbers on their website.
Be careful when hanging up, as some scammers can keep the line open.
It is advised to wait 10 to 15 minutes before calling anyone else or use a different phone.
The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) is a free way to opt out of unsolicited sales or marketing calls.
More information can be found at tpsonline.org.uk or by calling 0845 070 0707.
If you get text messages you think might be a scam, forward them to 7726 so your phone provider can flag them.
United Utilities has reported the scam to Action Fraud and they are encouraging people to warn friends, family, and neighbours, especially those who live alone or need extra support.
More information on how United Utilities will identify themselves can be found on their website.
If you think you have fallen victim to the scam, you can report it directly to Action Fraud.
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