A CAMPAIGN has been launched to protect people from an increased risk posed by callous con artists now the clocks have gone back an hour.

The drive is being led by Scottish Water, which is urging customers, including vulnerable and elderly people, to be aware that bogus callers often target their victims during hours of darkness.

Peter Farrer, Scottish Water’s chief operating officer, said: “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 employees.

“We would like to remind all our customers of our essential advice that, if we knock on your door, check our photo ID and follow our ‘Three Cs’ 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 into your home until you are sure of their identity.

“If you are on your own or feel you need more support, call a neighbour or a friend. If you are at all worried or unconvinced by a caller, then please contact the police straight away.”

When checking the ID card of anyone who calls at your door, make sure it hasn’t been tampered with in any way and, if you are not confident they are a genuine caller, ask them to leave.

You can also call Scottish Water’s customer helpline on 0800 077 8778 if you are not sure the person at your door is genuine.

In a further bid to tackle con artists, Scottish Water is offering an Anti-Bogus Caller Pack which contains a personal electronic alarm, window sensor, door viewer and guard bar.

These are available to the first 50 customers contacting Scottish Water by sending an email to customermarketing@scottishwater.co.uk.