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2 clusters · 14 sources · 28 days · First seen · Last updated

Water utility impersonation scams in Europe

Overview

Authorities in France and Italy have issued warnings regarding fraudulent door-to-door scams involving individuals impersonating water utility technicians.

In the Loire-Atlantique region of France, scammers have targeted residents in communes such as Legé by claiming to perform inspections on water meters, temperature, or consumption levels. These individuals attempt to demand immediate payment via portable terminals once inside a home. Local utility Atlantic’eau advised residents that legitimate technicians from companies like Veolia, Saur, or STGS are never authorized to collect on-site payments.

Similarly, in Caronno Pertusella, Italy, authorities and the utility company Alfa reported scammers using the pretext of inspecting the water network for pipe bursts or odors. These fraudsters have used the claim of potential leaks to gain entry to residences and request that occupants open faucets. Officials emphasized that legitimate operators must carry identification and are strictly prohibited from requesting or collecting payments, checks, or personal documents at a residence.

Entities

SAUR · Loire-Atlantique · Caronno Pertusella · Veolia · ALFA

Timeline

  1. [CRIME] 9 sources
    Caronno Pertusella authorities warn of water utility scams

    Authorities in Caronno Pertusella and Alfa warn of scammers impersonating water technicians to gain entry into homes under the pretext of inspecting leaks or odors.

  2. [CRIME] 5 sources
    Loire-Atlantique residents warned of drinking water technician scams

    Fraudsters impersonating water utility technicians are conducting door-to-door scams in Loire-Atlantique, France, requesting immediate payments for fake inspections.

Sources

actu.fr · andriaviva.it · avellinotoday.it · ilpiccolo.net · ilrestodelcarlino.it · m.cronachepicene.it · primasaronno.it · saintmarsdecoutais.fr · st-hilaire-des-loges.fr · venetonews.it · veneziatoday.it · village-marillet.fr · ville-lege44.fr · viveremacerata.it