Net::SCP::Expect not taking auto_yes method

[John Call]

I am using Net::SCP::Expect for secure copy from a program. I have set
the auto_yes method to answer any connecting questions:

--------
my $scpe = Net::SCP::Expect->new(auto_yes => '1');
--------

I've also tried the '1' outside quotes. I still get the following:

---------
Are you sure you want to continue connecting (yes/no)? at
/storage/mu/etc_defaults.pl line 500
---------

Any ideas about why I would still be getting this?

thanks,

John