BRITISH Gas is urging people across Blackburn to be on their guard, following a number of bogus caller incidents.

The warning comes as the company prepares to visit homes in the town over the next two months, amid fears that the bogus callers would strike again.

British Gas area manager Julian Anderton, said, "We have had various reports of people visiting homes claiming to be from British Gas, sometimes calling in the evening and apparently asking people to sign forms."

Residents are asked to be extra vigilant and advised to take carry out the following security checks:

Never hand over cash in advance.

Never allow a caller to drive you to the bank in order to get money.

Attach your door chain before answering.

Always ask to see identification, with a phone number on it, to check a caller's identity.

Remember that a genuine caller will always be happy to wait while you check their identification.

If you are disabled, elderly or chronically ill, you can enrol on the Electricity Special Needs System, which allows customers to agree on a code-word, known only to British Gas and the customer, that will be quoted before customers open the door.

For more information phone 0645 555 404.

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