Remember: If in doubt keep them out ... (From Warrington Guardian)

Remember: If in doubt keep them out ...

UNITED Utilities has joined the campaign to warn against bogus callers.

People pretending to be employees for the "water board" are often involved in cold calling and Jean Leslie, from United Utilities, said homeowners should check ID before allowing anyone into their home.

She said: "These days bogus callers can be extremely convincing and often seem to have a plausible excuse for gaining access to the house.

"If they see any roadworks nearby they often take the chance to pretend they are working for ourselves or other utility companies.

"We would just ask people to be extra vigilant and take the time to properly check identification of callers - particularly if there is work taking place near their homes."

United Utilities also runs a password recognition scheme as an extra security measure.

Jean said: "You don't have to be frail or elderly to become a victim. Busy mums and dads and even teenagers at home on their own can be conned into letting an "official" into their home. Our message is quite simple: check the callers are who they say they are - with us and not by calling any number they give you - and if in doubt keep them out."