to wonder where they got the badge and the uniform from.

[HelenaDove]

A few months ago men tried to gain access to peoples homes under false pretences pretending to be gas engineers One had a badge and uniform on with the logo of the company on them.

Householders/tenants are told not to let them in if unsure and to ask for ID but i know tenants who have done as advised and then been accused of denying access to a gas safety engineer.

Surely old uniforms and badges should be handed back in to the company or destroyed if not used anymore.

www.thecomet.net/news/stevenage-borough-council-issues-warning-to-call-police-on-fake-liberty-gas-engineers-calling-at-homes-1-5246079

And they do turn up unannounced for checks so how are tenants supposed to know the difference.

Anyone can get a logo embroidered on a t-shirt for about fifteen quid.

I know you love any stories that reflect badly on social housing contractors.... but even you're clutching at straws trying to blame the council for this.

A legitimate gas engineer (or any service for that matter) who stops by uninvited will expect to be asked for ID. They should also be prepared to wait while the resident calls the company to check it's genuine. Tough shit if they're a genuine caller and don't want to wait as it's better to be safe than sorry. Someone who is not genuine will likely become pushy or aggressive when refused entry and won't want to give their credentials.
As saucy says anyone can pretend to be someone from a company with the right clothes. Fake ID as well.

You can, as suggested, check the same way anyone else does. Ask to see ID and phone the company to check they are authentic.