A WATER company serving parts of the Buckinghamshire area has asked its customers to be extra vigilant after reports of a bogus caller demanding payments from customers on its behalf.

The caller, claiming to be from Veolia Water or a collection company, has telephoned customers, left automated messages and put a card through the letterbox demanding payment.

The caller demands overdue water bill payment in full over the telephone using a credit or debit card. Vincent Muldoon, Director of Customer Relations, said: "We are very concerned about these unscrupulous people who try to defraud our customers by obtaining their bank details.

"Employees of Veolia Water would never cold call our customers and offer them a discount for payment, and we urge people to be vigilant when they give out personal details over the telephone. We would also not leave a card in your door demanding payment "

If you have received a call, automated message or a card like this, and think you may have been a victim of crime, the company advises you to contact your bank/credit card company as soon as possible and call police and report the crime.

Mr Muldoon added: "If there is any doubt, do not continue with the conversation, put the phone down and contact our Customer Contact Centre on 0845 7823333 and the police."

For further advice on how to handle bogus callers, go to: www.veoliawater.co.uk/helpinghands