PEOPLE in Port Glasgow are being warned to watch out for bogus callers after two men claiming to be from River Clyde Homes tried to gain access to a flat in the town's Thistle Court.

Inverclyde Council and River Clyde Homes issued the urgent warning after a resident was approached by a man in a surgical mask asking to be let into her home.

When the occupant refused the persistent con man came back with another male whose face was covered with a scarf.

Both were refused entry but the authorities are concerned that vulnerable people could fall victim to the criminals.

Councillor Michael McCormick said: “If someone comes to your door claiming to be from River Clyde Homes or the council, ask them to show you their ID card.

"All staff carry ID cards with their photograph on them.

“It isn’t rude to close the door on a cold caller and then check their identity.

"A genuine caller will be happy to wait.

"Council ID cards have a phone number on the back you can use to find out if the person is really a member of staff but you are best to look up the organisation’s phone number yourself rather than use one the cold caller has given you."

Cllr McCormick says householders should be wary of anyone arriving at their door unexpectedly.

He said: “In most cases council and RCH staff will make an appointment with you before visiting.

"Normally, they will not turn up unannounced.

"Workers will also normally be driving a clearly marked vehicle with either council logos or RCH livery on them.

Jonathan Grant, head of customer services at RCH, added: “River Clyde Homes and our repairs contractor, Home Fix Scotland, both wear distinctive ID badges.

"Home Fix Scotland carry out all repairs and maintenance by appointment only and they have their own new, branded vehicles.

"We also have private specialist contractors but they always make an appointment before visiting and carry their official identification.

“If anyone approaches a customer claiming to be from either organisation and that customer is in any doubt to the person’s authenticity, please ask to see their identity card.

"If one is not shown, please call 0800 013 2196 at any time of the day or night and report the incident.”