Scottish Water is advising customers to use the ‘three Cs’ after recent incidents involving bogus callers.
The authority said conmen have been preying on vulnerable and elderly customers and it is urging householders to follow the three Cs rule card, check and call.
Water UK chief executive Pamela Taylor called on communities to beat the bogus caller.
She said: ”When householders receive a cold call from anyone claiming to be from Scottish Water, or any other 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.”
She added: ”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.”
Scottish Water’s customer service director Peter Farrer also advised customers to remain alert.
He said: ”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.”
To protect customers Scottish Water is 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@scottishwater.co.uk or writing to Scottish Water quoting bogus caller pack, Customer Marketing, PO Box 8855, Edinburgh, EH10 6YQ.
More information is available at scottishwater.co.uk/boguscaller. The customer hotline is 0845 601 8855.