Loire-Atlantique residents warned of drinking water technician scams

A wave of fraudulent door-to-door scams is targeting residents in several communes within the Loire-Atlantique region of France, including Legé and areas near Saint Mars de Coutais. Scammers are impersonating technicians from water utility companies such as Veolia, Saur, or STGS.

The fraudsters present themselves to individuals under the pretext of performing drinking water inspections, such as checking water meters, water temperature, or consumption levels. Once inside, they attempt to demand immediate payment from victims, often using portable payment terminals.

Atlantic’eau has issued a warning advising residents to verify the identity of any visiting technician by requesting a professional ID card or a signed and stamped mission letter. Authorities emphasize that legitimate technicians from Veolia, Saur, or STGS are never authorized to collect cash or card payments on-site. Any paid service outside of standard consumption billing must require a signed quote in advance, with payments made via secure websites, bank transfers, checks, or at post offices.