Blocked Drain Scam

Thames Valley Police has received recent reports of a scam, where residents are told that there is a problem with their drains.

Victims are being contacted by people claiming to be either from Thames water or Dyno Rod, saying that their drains are blocking and require specialist equipment to clean them, costing around £500 to hire.

At one property in Wendover the money was handed over and we are aware of several other attempts in Aylesbury.

If you receive an unsolicited phone call, or someone comes to your property, don't always believe what they are saying.

Scammer will try and get your confidence and may use technical information, to make it sound like they know what they are talking about.

Consider using a call-blocking service, which will stop calls that aren't in your address book coming through, unless you authorise them.

You can find more advice and information by visiting the Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards or Action Fraud website.

You can also download a copy of the Little Book of Big Scams (see PDF).

Please look out for vulnerable friends, neighbours or family and make sure they know how to deal with unsolicited telephone calls.

If you have been a victim of this or another type of fraud you can contact Action Fraud online
or by calling 0300 123 2040