Christmas Cards, Check and Call to beat Bogus Callers

[Kintyre Forum News]

Presents, money and gift vouchers can provide an all too tempting prospect for Bogus Callers at this time of year.

Scottish Water is advising customers throughout Argyll and Bute to use our Christmas Card, Check and Call advice to beat the Bogus Callers.

All too often these callous conmen prey particularly on our vulnerable and elderly customers. However, remembering a series of simple steps could help to send these vultures packing.

Householders should follow our 'Three C's' rule: 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 callers 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.

Pamela Taylor, Chief Executive, Water UK is calling on communities to beat the Bogus Caller:

"The whole water industry is behind the campaign to tackle this crime which targets the most vulnerable people. We are very pleased to support Scottish Water's initiative in partnership with the police and other agencies to remove opportunities for bogus callers to strike."

Following Scottish Water’s simple 3 C’s advice could help communities across Argyll and Bute to beat the Bogus Caller:

• 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 our Customer Helpline on 0845 601 8855. We advise customers 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. More…
Scottish Water’s Customer Service Delivery Director, Peter Farrer is advising customers to remain alert:

“As our investment programme to deliver clearer, fresher drinking water and improve the natural environment across Scotland continues, Scottish Water workers are highly visible in towns and villages across the country. However, there are those who would take advantage of this essential work by posing as bogus water employees.”

And Mrs Jane McKenzie, Scottish Water’s Regional Communities Manager for Argyll and Bute, 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 or letter through the letter box. Our employees will be more than happy to wait while you check their identity.

“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.

“The advice is easy to remember - just 3 C’s – card, check and call.”

Caring for our customers is paramount and we are delighted to have the support of police forces and Neighbourhood Watch groups across the country in getting our message across.

Superintendent Derek Robertson of Strathclyde Police said:

“Our advice is simple and straightforward. If a caller says they are from a company always ask for identification, which genuine callers are happy to produce. If you are still not satisfied, do not hesitate to contact the company or ask them to come back at a later date. Never let anyone, or feel pressured to let anyone, you are not 100% happy with into your home. If you are suspicious please contact the police as soon as possible.

“Strathclyde Police is committed to supporting our communities and tackling bogus caller crime and throughout the years has been successful throughout the Force area. Without the help of partner agencies such as Scottish Water we cannot be successful in tackling bogus callers.”

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.

And Mrs McKenzie, is encouraging customers to be prepared:

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"We have introduced this pack because of a spate of Bogus Caller incidents where criminals pose as Scottish Water employees, in order to gain access to customer’s property. The packs have proven to be a great success in previous years and this year we’re again offering them out to vulnerable customers. The pack is designed to encourage all our customers to take some simple but effective steps to avoid falling victim to such a callous, calculated crime. “

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

Further information is available on our website www.scottishwater.co.uk/boguscaller.