Bogus Gas Man in Fryent

We have received a report from Fryent Safer Neighbourhood Team of a scam currently operating in the Fryent, Kingsbury and Kenton area. I have copied details of the scam below for information. Please pass this on and ask people to be vigilante. People who have been victims of this scam have not lost a lot of money but it could have been much worse.

Cllr George Crane


BRITISH GAS SCAM
Please be aware that we have had several reports of a male cold calling in Kenton purporting to be from British Gas.
He produces what appears to be a genuine British Gas photo ID card with a name and registration number and carries a clip board.
He asks to read your meter and then informs you that he needs to fit a filter to the meter. He asks to make an appointment to fit the filter and then asks for a £5 payment for which he issues a receipt.
We have spoken to British Gas and have been told that they do not fit filters onto meters and the representative would not ask for any payment. This is a scam.
Utility companies will contact you in advance of any planned work that needs carrying out in your home. They will not ask for payment on the day. If someone calls from a utility company please carefully check their identification BEFORE letting them in your home. If you are in any doubt call the company concerned using the customer service number on your bill. British Gas use a company called G4S AccuRead for their meter readings. To verify the validity of a meter reader they can be contacted on 0845 300 3177.
The description of the suspect involved in these incidents is a white male, chubby build with a round face, in his 30s, black hair and an Eastern European accent.
If a person matching this description knocks on your door asking to fit a filter to your meter, as above please contact police immediately using 999. 
If you think you have been a victim of this scam please contact Harrow Police on 0300 123 1212 or your Safer Neighbourhood Team.