With the nights getting longer, NI Water is reminding customers to be vigilant and ‘clock’ bogus callers.
If a caller comes to your door claiming to be from NI Water, Water Service or the Water Board, always ask to see their ID – as all NI Water staff carry ID cards. This will have a photograph of the person carrying it and include their name and serial number. With your door chain attached, ask the caller to hold up the ID card. If you don’t have a camera or chain – get them to hold it up to a window or pass it through your letterbox so you can read it properly without opening your door.
The utility company says do not be afraid to check a caller’s ID as genuine callers from NI Water won’t mind waiting while you do. Never allow anyone into your home unless you are certain they are who they say they are, no matter how urgent the caller claims an issue is.
Robbie Burns, NI Water Customer Experience Senior Manager, said: “It’s highly unusual for NI Water staff to be calling at your door without first notifying you. If a caller does arrive at your door unannounced, use the ‘Quick Check’ number on 101.
“The Quick Check scheme helps members of the public ‘clock’ callers claiming to be from network companies. It helps check the identity of someone who says they are calling on the pretext of inspecting gas, electricity or water supplies. The police non-emergency 101 number will be able to verify their identity. If they are not genuine, or there is something suspicious about the caller, the call handler will be able send the police to you.
“We’re also encouraging people who may need some extra support to sign up to our free Customer Care Register at www.niwater.com/education-and-the-community/community/customer-care-register.
“Customers can also sign up for NI Water's free "Keeping You Informed" text alert service at www.niwater.com/whats-happening-in-your-area/register-for-keeping-you-informed, which helps them keep up to date about planned and emergency interruptions to their water supply.”
Ends
NOTES TO EDITOR:
Quick check partners include:
- Northern Ireland Electricity Networks
- Northern Ireland Water
- Phoenix Natural Gas Ltd
- SGN Natural Gas/Evolve
- SSE Airtricity
- Firmus
- The Utility Regulator
- PSNI
Media enquiries to the NI Water Press Office via email to press.office@niwater.com