How do we know they are genuine.

After reading Suzuki Sue's posting about the drunk woman who asked to stay in her house for a while brings me to write about the problem of never really knowing who is genuine or not when they claim to be gas or electric meter readers etc.

I live on my own and I am so very wary of who comes in to my house, but how can I really tell if those that do knock are genuine. Anyone these days can print off things on the net and make cards posing as genuine people.

A young lad came yesterday to read my elec/gas meter and as soon as he came in and shut the door as it was very cold I panicked. I couldn't see his van and asked where it was and he said up the road.
I made out the dog was in the garden and shouted something like. "Stay there!" Sounds corny being as I haven't a dog but I was nervous until he went.

Re: How do we know they are genuine.

If you didnt answer the door to the Meter reader he would have left a card for you to fill in ..Or they put on the card when they will call again By which time you can have a relative to be with you.

Re: How do we know they are genuine.

Absolutely understand what you say Maursey - you can ask for ID but in your shoes, they would have to make arrangements with me to read the meter. If you are not home, they leave a card to say they have called, you could then ring them. I'm the same as you, would not let them in ......

Re: How do we know they are genuine.

Snap Eliza !

Re: How do we know they are genuine.

I answered the door Eliza because I didn't know who it was and it was daylight.

Re: How do we know they are genuine.

Please do not feel silly about pretending to have a dog in the garden. Just a short time ago I refused entry to a young man who informed me he had come to read the meter. I felt awkward at the time but he stood outside the front door muttering, that allowed me to feel justified. We are on a self read scheme so the reader not expected

I feel that the gas and electric companies should write to advise when their readers are going to visit. remember at one time, a man tried to open the back door to let himself in without invitation. Had a German Shepherd at the time so felt protected.

Re: How do we know they are genuine.

That's true Maursey who is real and who is fake? I don't think you can tell, you have to go with your own judgement. I just look at the hand held monitor and watch for them keying the numbers in that's all, and then copy the numbers down myself when they've gone, so i can match them up when i do get my reading through. That's the only way i can tell that he was a real Elec/Gas reader..
Soon they is going to be a Smart Reader coming out for Gas and Electricity, where you key your own reading into a hand held monitor and a signal is picked up at the main Company so no-one will be knocking at your door anymore. Which in my mind is a great idea as long as it works!

Re: How do we know they are genuine.

I have just rung the elec/gas company and told them that in future I will be reading my meter and sending it to them by email which they have accepted.

Re: How do we know they are genuine.

Smart Meters are coming in the next few years ,so it wont be such a problem.

Re: How do we know they are genuine.

Yes - was just gonna say - I have done the same thing