Bogus gas men could be back on the beat targeting foreigners

A British resident in Sineu contacted the Bulletin yesterday after she and her husband averted being apparently conned by a pair of what they suspected were bogus gas inspectors.

The couple, who live outside Sineu, are also aware of at least one other foreign resident in the area being targeted by the two alleged gas inspectors who, from what the couple could gather, were not from one of the reputable and recognised gas companies such as Repsol.

During the summer, three police managed to catch a group of bogus inspectors trying to carry out a similar con and now, it appears that, unofficial gas inspectors are at it again.

In this case, they informed the British resident that her pipe needed changing, they need to be every five years, and while one kept her talking, the other went ahead with changing the pipe.

They then proclaimed that the cost of changing the pipe would be 46 euros and that a new contract to ensure regular inspections, would cost a further 117 euros.

The home owner had no money at the time and offered to go and pay at one of the inspector's alleged two offices in Palma and Alcudia.
However, they were most adamant they should be paid on the spot and would return the following morning at 11 am for their money.
Over night, the husband changed the pipe himself with a new one they had at home and when the two inspectors returned yesterday morning, they were handed back their tools and pipe and refused payment.

The couple have since contacted Repsol, for example, and they would charge at least half for the changing of pipes and the five year contract with regular inspections and renewals. “Something just didn't seem right about the two men who had no real identification that was clear, especially not on their overalls. “We've read about these scams before in the Bulletin and just wondered if con artists are up to it again,” the victims said yesterday.
So beware and ask for clear identification if gas inspectors suddenly appear on your doorstep and, if in doubt, contact your gas company.