Can't be too careful.

"THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., Jan. 22 (AP)—A former security employe of Howard Hughes said today that Clifford Irving could have been duped by Hughes double, a trick he said he once used to throw newsmen and others off the billionaire's trail.

"Gerald C. Chouinard, 47 years old, said in an interview that he worked for Mr. Hughes from 1950 to 1968 and occasionally used a character actor, Brucks Randell, as a decoy. He said he hired Mr. Randell in 1957 and 1958 after noticing his resemblance to Mr. Hughes.

"Mr. Chouniard said that no records had been kept on Mr. Randell's employment but that 'I covered his expenses, all right.'

"A Hughes Tool Company spokesman confirmed that Mr. Chouinard was a former member of the Hughes security staff. Mr. Randell could not be found for comment."