Residents urged to watch for conmen
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SCOTTISH Water is urging Banffshire customers to help stop bogus callers by using the three Cs rule to beat conmen who might take advantage.
The organisation is reminding customers, including vulnerable and elderly people, they should be vigilant and aware of the risk of becoming a victim of bogus callers at any time including when it is darker in the mornings, afternoons and early evenings.
If Scottish Water knocks on the door, check the photo ID and follow the three Cs rule, card, check and call.
Mr Peter Farrer, Scottish Water's chief operating officer, said: "Scottish Water works in local communities across Scotland every day of the year.
"Our own workers are highly visible and unfortunately there are occasionally people who take advantage of the essential work we do by posing as bogus water company employees.
"So we would like to remind all our customers of our essential advice – if we knock on your door, check our photo ID and follow our three C's rule: card – check – call.
"All our employees, and anyone working on our behalf, carry photo ID which they will happily show on request – so don't let anyone in to your home until you are sure of their identity.
"If you are on your own or feel you need more support then call a neighbour or a friend, and if you are at all worried or unconvinced by a caller, then please contact the police straight away."
The three C's in detail are:
• Card – anyone calling on behalf of Scottish Water, whether it is a Scottish Water employee or a contractor working on its behalf in the area, will always carry a photo ID card or letter. People should always ask callers to pass their ID card or letter through the letterbox so that you can check their identity.
• Check – check the ID card carefully. Is the photo on the ID card the same as the person at the door? Has the card been tampered with in any way? If people are not confident that they are a genuine caller, then send them away.
• Call – If people are in any doubt about the caller's identity, before they open the door they can call the customer helpline on 0800 0778778.
