Phone rang. Automatic voice said: This is British Gas. Press any key.' (I don't think it said 'please'.)
Put phone down, rang free (to the blind) Directory Enquiries and got put through to British Gas.
Remained silent through all prompts, so got through to a person in the end. Asked if this was a scam.
Girl (with slightly foreign accent, and who kept speaking quickly so I had to request a slower repeat half the time, located my file and said that it was a meter reading request.
I pointed out that the meter has been located outside the house for many years and can be read without access to the inside of the house.
She: But we don't come and read meters now. Have you got a smart meter:'
I then sighed and explained that they, British Gas, had come to install one about a year ago, found I didn't have the right kind of electric meter so it couldn't be done. Southern Electric installed suitable meter. British Gas came back, bringing a meter that wouldn't fit. Proper ones not available.
No word from them since!!
The girl made an appointment for new meter to be installed on Saturday, when the meter will be read. I'm not holding my breath!!
I also asked her to register a complaint about having such scam-like automatic phone cals.