Bogus workmen warning for Glaswegians

Oct 23 2008 By Frank Hurley

BEATING bogus callers at your home is as easy as one, two, three, says Scottish Water.

With the clocks going back, communities across the country and particularly the elderly are all too prone to the menace of phoney workmen posing as water board workers.

But remembering three simple steps could send them packing.

Scottish Water supports the national campaign to tackle this odious crime, which deliberately targets the most vulnerable in the communities.

Scottish Water is working with Strathclyde Police and other agencies in removing the opportunities for bogus callers to strike.

The company urges everyone to be absolutely sure before letting anyone into their homes and to help protect their neighbours, families and friends.

The advice is that when householders receive a cold call from anyone claiming to be from Scottish Water, or another utility, they should always follow our 'Three C's' rule: CHAIN, CHECK and CALL: Use a door chain if you have one and ask to see the caller's identity card. If they do not have one, then send them away!

Check the identity card carefully: Is the photo on the card the same as the person at the door? Does the card contain the Scottish Water Customer Helpline number? Has the card been tampered with in any way?

If you are in any doubt about the caller's identity please call our Customer Helpline on 0845 601 8855. The caller should not be allowed access. If you are still suspicious contact a neighbour or call police.

Scottish Water's customer service delivery director, Peter Farrer, is advising customers to be alert.

He said: "As our £2billion capital investment programme rolls out across Scotland, Scottish Water workers are highly visible in towns and villages across the country.

"But there are those who would take advantage of our essential work, to improve water and waste water services, by posing as bogus water employees.

"All our employees carry identity cards, which they are more than happy to show when requested to do so. Householders shouldn't let anyone into their home until they are sure of their identity. Our employees will be more than happy to wait while you close the door and check this.

"If you're on your own and feel that you need more support, then call a neighbour or a friend, and if you are at all worried about a caller, then please contact the police straight away.

"It's easy to remember the Three C's - Chain, Check and Call."

A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said: "We advise people to keep their doors locked and use door chains.

"Cash and valuables should be kept out of sight and identification should be asked for from all callers. If anyone is in doubt, keep them out and report anything suspicious to us."

Three-C's rule: Chain, Check and Call