Initiative re-launched in a bid to stop bogus callers | Latest Newry News, Newry Sport and Newry Business for Newry City

Initiative re-launched in a bid to stop bogus callers

Quick Check 101, an initiative to help stop bogus callers, was re-launched recently by the Utility Regulator and the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Under the scheme, residents can now phone 101, the police non-emergency number, to check the identity of callers to their home who claim to represent an energy or water network company.

 

 

The scheme is not only a collaboration between the PSNI and the Utility Regulator, but also includes all of Northern Ireland’s energy and water network companies – firmus energy, NIE Networks, Northern Ireland Water, Phoenix Natural Gas and SGN Natural Gas. Supported by the Commissioner for Older People, the initiative is being re-launched in a bid to help people feel safer in their homes.

Speaking to Newry Times, Jenny Pyper, Chief Executive of the Utility Regulator explained, “Bogus callers are people who call at your house claiming to be from an organisation in order to trick their way into your home and steal from you.

“Although most people who call at your door are genuine, some are unfortunately not. As protecting the interests of consumers is at the heart of what we do, we wanted to enhance the good work already being carried out by the energy and water companies to tackle bogus callers.

 

 

“Re-launching the Quick Check 101 scheme is part of our wider Consumer Protection Strategy which is aimed at providing real and positive change for energy and water consumers in Northern Ireland. The scheme is an important part of that Strategy and aims to make sure consumers feel safer when utility company staff visit their home.

Jenny added, “I want consumers to feel empowered and confident in dealing with people who call at their door. This scheme, developed in partnership with the network companies and PSNI, will help make a difference.”

Superintendent Simon Walls from District Policing Command said, “The Quick Check scheme provides reassurance to members of the public about callers to their door claiming to be from network companies. 

 

 

“Anyone who wishes to check the identity of someone who says they are calling on the pretext of inspecting gas, electricity or water supplies can now call the police non-emergency 101 number to verify their identity.

“Your call will be answered by a trained police call handler who will take the details of the company which the caller claims to be working for. The call handler will then contact the utility supplier to determine whether the caller is genuine.

“I would encourage members of the public to follow our advice when dealing with unexpected visitors to their home.”

Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=63054

Posted by on Jan 18 2018. Filed under Community. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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