BOGUS CALLER CAMPAIGN OFFERS ADVICE IN HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS

25th October 2010

With the clocks going back (30th Oct), Scottish Water is advising customers throughout the Highlands and Islands to use the 3 C's to beat bogus callers who try to take advantage of the shorter daylight hours.

All too often these callous conmen prey on the vulnerable and elderly. However, remembering three simple steps could help send them packing:CARD, CHECK and CALL.

When householders receive a cold call from anyone claiming to be from Scottish Water, or another utility, they should not under any circumstances open the door without first checking the caller's ID card or letter - this should be passed through the letter box for
verification. This stops a bogus caller forcing their way in, even if the door is ajar, or on a chain.

* Card - You can ask callers to pass their ID card or letter through the letter box in order to verify their identity.

* Check - 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 not confident that they are a genuine caller, then send them away!

* Call - If you are in any doubt about the caller's identity please call Scottish Water's Customer Helpline on 0845 601 8855. Customers are advised to contact utility companies by using phone numbers found in telephone directories or the internet, but not from ID cards or letters, because these could be false. If you are still suspicious contact a neighbour or call the police.

BOGUS CALLER PACK ON OFFER

Scottish Water's Communities Manager for the Highlands and Islands, Joanna Peebles, is offering customers this simple advice:

"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. Check through the peep hole on your door; ask them to pass their ID card through the letter box. Our employees will be more than happy to wait while you check their identity."

Joanna added: "On occasion when we need access to customer's property we normally try to contact them in advance and arrange a suitable time. However, there may be occasions when we need to cold-call, but all our staff carry ID badges and are happy to display these on arrival. We never call at a customer's home to collect money."

In a bid to help protect customers against Bogus Callers, Scottish Water is again offering an Anti Bogus Caller Pack which contains a personal electronic alarm, window sensor, door viewer, UV Marker Pen and guard bar.

Packs are available to the first 50 customers contacting Scottish Water by emailing customermarketing[AT]scottishwater.co.uk or in writing, quoting Bogus Caller Pack, Customer Marketing, PO Box 8855, Edinburgh, EH10 6YQ.

NORTH POLICE SUPPORT

A spokesman for Northern Constabulary said: "It is often elderly and vulnerable people who become the victims of this type of crime. People should be satisfied with the authenticity of the workmen or seller and not be pressurised into having any work carried out that is not required or buy anything that they don't want."

He added: "Relatives and neighbours of vulnerable people should also remain alert to the possibility of this type of offence and where possible check on their wellbeing. Anyone who feels they are unsure of an individual's identity should not let them into their home and if they feel it is necessary contact their nearest Police office."

Further information is available on-line at www.scottishwater.co.uk/boguscaller