Conmen are pretending to be water board inspectors to get inside pensioners' homes

They are calling on homes asking to take water samples to test for the killer virus.

Once inside, they look for money and valuables.

One pensioner has already had money stolen.

The conmen, claiming to be Water Board inspectors, have been targeting homes in the North West.

Two men in Warrington wore Hi-Viz jackets and used a white van with fake United Utilities branding on it.

Another conman in Accrington was working alone.

United Utilities is now urging customers to be extra vigilant, and wary of strangers. Louise Beardmore, customer service and people director of United Utilities, said: "We're appalled that people could be so cruel when we need to be pulling together.

'No-one from UU will call on you unless you ask them to. If in doubt, just shut the door. Never let anyone into your home unless you are confident they are who they say they are.

'If you haven't booked a visit, then people who claim to be from us are bogus, even if they are wearing a United Utilities uniform or if there is one of our vans in the street.

'Attach your door chain if you have one and ask for identification. Ask the caller to hold their ID card up to the window or put it through your letterbox so you can check it without opening your door.'

Ms Beardmore added: 'If you're not sure, tell the person to wait outside and call us on 0345 672 3723 to check their identity.

She has also urged customers to keep an eye on vulnerable neighbours.

Inspector Ruth Atherton, of Warrington Local Policing Unit, said: "Criminals will use every opportunity they can in a bid to steal from vulnerable people.

"Taking advantage of the coronavirus pandemic – the restrictions that have been imposed and people's fears – is their latest way of doing this.

"Criminals are experts at pretending to be people they are not.

"I urge residents to be vigilant and to not let anyone into your home who calls unexpectedly.

"It's okay to reject or refuse requests from people you don't know. Only criminals will have an issue with being told that you won't let them into your home.

"I also urge residents to keep an eye on neighbouring properties during the lockdown in case bogus callers target vulnerable people living there."

United Utilities offers a password scheme for pre-planned appointments to give you added security. For more information http://www.unitedutilities.com/bogus-caller.aspx

People with information about the suspicious activity can call their local police on 101 or if you would prefer to remain anonymous, the confidential Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.

Top five tips to protect yourself against doorstep bogus callers:

Keep your door locked or on a chain and look to see who is calling before opening it.

Ask to see the caller's identification through the crack in the door, through the window or the letterbox.

Call United Utilities on 0345 6723 723 to check their ID. Have your customer number handy - get it from your online account or from the top of your water bill.

You're within your rights to ask the caller to wait outside while you check them out. If they are genuine, they will not mind.

Ask the caller to leave if you are not completely certain that they are genuine.

If the caller insists that they need access to your property immediately or before you check them out, shut the door and call the police.

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