Beware the Bogus Callers this Summer!

18 July 2017 16:44

NI Water is calling on customers across Northern Ireland to be extra vigilant during the summer holiday period and beware of bogus callers following a number of incidents in recent times involving some more vulnerable customers and criminals coming to their door claiming to represent the company.

 

The general pattern of events is for criminals posing as NI Water staff seeking to gain entry to check the water supply in the customer’s property, often resulting in serious distress for the customers involved.

 

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 – all NI Water staff carry ID cards as they go about their business. This will have a photograph of the person carrying it and include details such as their name, a unique serial number and our distinctive NI Water logo. Also attach your door chain, if you have one; if not, ask the caller to hold the ID card up to a window or put it through your letterbox so you can read it properly without opening your door. If you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to contact Waterline on 03457 440088 to get some clarity.  Please don’t be afraid to check a caller’s ID; genuine callers from NI Water won’t mind waiting while you do. Never allow anyone into your home unless you are certain that they are who they say they are.

 

Des Nevin, NI Water’s Head of Customer Service Centre, gives this advice: “People will be starting to relax a bit more as summer takes hold, and many of us will be throwing open our homes and gardens to our friends and neighbours for some summer socialising.  However, not all guests at your door will be after some barbequed meat – in fact, their intentions will be darker than a badly burned hamburger.

 

‘‘It is very unusual that someone claiming to be from NI Water will need to call at your door in any circumstances.  However, if this does happen, simply call our customer helpline on 03457 440 088 to confirm with our customer service staff whether the person is in fact genuine. When you are calling to clarify the identity of anyone claiming to represent NI Water, our customer service team will check:

 

• Name
• ID card serial number
• ID card date of issue

 

The same security message applies to telephone calls from people claiming to be from NI Water and asking for bank details.  NEVER give this information out over the telephone.  Simply hang up and report the call to the police or the NI Water customer service helpline on 03457 440 088.

 

Ends

 

Further information

 

All media enquiries to press.office@niwater.com or telephone 028 9035 4757.