SCOTTISH Water has issued a warning to customers in Dalry after bogus callers tried to con a local woman at the weekend.

A woman in the Merksworth Avenue area of the town was the victim on Sunday, July 20, when three men called at her property.

They told the woman they were calling to check her water supply. However, the woman did not allow them access.

She was not injured and no property was stolen.

When the incident was reported, Scottish Water confirmed none of their staff had been to the property.

Scottish Water is now reminding customers, including vulnerable and elderly people, that they should follow their ‘three Cs’ rule if they suspect a bogus caller – CARD, CHECK and CALL.

If they receive a cold call from anyone claiming to be from Scottish Water, a contractor, another utility or any other organisation, they should under no circumstances open the door without first checking the caller’s identity 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.

Following Scottish Water’s simple three C’s advice could help customers 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. .

Scottish Water 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.

Jane McKenzie, Scottish Water’s regional communities team manager, said: “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.

“On occasion, when we need access to a 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 employees carry ID badges and are happy to display these on arrival.

"Our staff and contractors never call at a customer’s home to collect money.”