A WARNING has been issued over bogus callers who seek to take advantage of the clocks going back an hour.

With darkness now falling earlier than before, there are fears callous crooks will be more likely to target potential victims.

Scottish Water is urging people to use it’s ‘three Cs’ advice – card, check and call – to thwart the con artists.

Residents who get an unexpected visitor should ask for the person’s photo ID card, check it carefully and call the company if they have any doubts that he or she is genuine.

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.

“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 Cs advice.

“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, 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.”

Residents are advised to ask doorstep callers to pass their ID card or letter through the letterbox so their identity can be checked.

Things to look out for include making sure the photo on the ID is the same as the person at the door and has the card been tampered with in any way.

A spokesperson for Scottish Water said: “If you are in any doubt about the caller’s identity, before you open the door please call our customer helpline on 0800 077 8778 and we can help you confirm the caller is genuine.

“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, as these could be false.”

For further information on how to stay safe, go online at www.scottishwater.co.uk/boguscaller.