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SOUTH EDITION
Issue 595
See page 6
11-17 MARCH 2011
Bogus inspectors call by Jack Troughton COSTA BLANCA homes are again being preyed on by ‘bogus’ gas inspectors and being conned into paying inflated fees. The “highly plausible” workmen are reported to be going from house to house in the Torrevieja area and demanding to inspect bottled gas equipment and issue certificates of inspection. RTN was told the men appear in smart overalls, carrying clipboard, and held identification but are not representatives of either Repsol or Cepsa – although they frequently claim to represent the gas giants. It is understood the inspectors are actually legal and work on a freelance basis for a registered company – however, people continue to fall victim to their “official sounding” spiel and are shocked by the prices charged for work. And it is alleged their sharp practice can involve damaging equipment before making “necessary” repairs – and at times not even doing the work listed on the invoice. ENGINEER Beware of bogus gas men
Gas users can ring either of Repsol or Cepsa, depending on the gas they use, and make an appointment for an engineer to visit and issue a
certificate. Neither company uses cold calling to make an inspection. Elizabeth, of Torrevieja – she asked for her surname not to be published – said two men called last week and wanted 120€ to inspect her gas equipment and issue a certificate. “We said we did not keep money in the house and they said they would come back on Monday – which they did and they got very angry and started shouting when we said we had contacted Repsol,” she said. “They did leave a card which said RETSAGAS which is very similar to Repsol but when we showed it to a lady in the local Repsol office she said it was false, she said it was rubbish. “And she said Repsol do not have engineers on the road - you have to call the company to make an appointment.” OFFICIAL And Elizabeth pointed out the official gas company charged 61.03€ to issue a certificate and carry out any repairs. “We had three tubes replaced.” “When they came back we were armed with the knowledge they were scammers so I took the number of their van down,” she added. Continued on page 3