SCOTTISH WATER�S 3 CS OF CHRISTMAS

14th December 2012

As Christmas approaches, and presents lie under the tree, Scottish Water is reminding customers to be vigilant and follow our 3 C�s advice to help stop bogus callers.

Bogus callers often prey on householders at this time of the year, including the vulnerable and elderly. But remembering a series of simple steps could help to send them packing.

We are asking customers to follow our 3 C's advice - CARD, CHECK and CALL.

When householders receive a cold call from anyone claiming to be from Scottish Water they should not, under any circumstances, open the door without first checking the caller�s identification card or letter. This should be passed through the letter box for verification as it stops a bogus caller forcing their way in, even if the door is ajar, or on a chain.

Our employees will be more than happy to wait while you check their identity. We also support a number of police forces across the country in their own campaigns.

Following Scottish Water�s simple 3 C�s advice could help communities across Scotland 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 never from ID cards or letters presented, because these could be false. If you are still suspicious contact a neighbour or call the police.

Peter Farrer, Scottish Water�s Customer Service Delivery Director, is advising customers to remain alert: �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.�
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 Peter Farrer is encouraging customers to be prepared: �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[AT]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.

PHOTO
Peter Farrer, Customer Service Delivery Director, Scottish Water with Constables Suzanne Jacobs & Jamie Toal.