Tenerife Alert: Fake Gas Checks Pose Safety Risk

A group representing gas and water companies in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, called Apigaste (part of Femete), is warning people about a rise in scams. Fake installers are taking advantage of winter to contact homes, claiming they need to do mandatory checks on boilers, heating, stoves, or other gas appliances.

Pedro Armas, who leads Apigaste and is also a director at Femete, says they've seen many cases where people without proper qualifications pretend to be official technicians. They then alarm residents and charge them for inspections that aren't needed or don't even happen.

Armas stresses that gas inspections are never done on the spur of the moment or by someone knocking on your door. They must always be carried out by approved installation companies. These companies should be clearly identified and hired either directly by the homeowner or, if applicable, through their energy supplier. He adds, "A legitimate technician will never show up without an appointment or demand cash payment right away."

Apigaste highlights that these scams don't just cost families money; they also put safety at risk. Incorrect work on gas systems can lead to dangerous leaks, fires, or even carbon monoxide poisoning.

If you have any doubts, Pedro Armas advises against letting anyone into your home. Always ask for professional identification, check that the company is properly registered, and contact business associations or Femete to confirm the service is legitimate. He also urges people to report any such incidents to the police or relevant authorities.

Armas concludes by saying, "Apigaste and Femete are committed to ensuring professionalism, safety, and trust in this vital industry. The best way to protect yourself from scams is to be informed and always use authorized installers."