Make sure you don’t get ‘tricked’ this Hallowe’en!

As Hallowe’en, the season of trick and treat, dawns again, NI Water is calling on customers across Northern Ireland to be extra vigilant and beware of bogus callers, following a number of recent incidents involving elderly or vulnerable customers and criminals coming to their door claiming to be from the company.

The general pattern of events is for criminals posing as agency 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. This will have a photograph of the person carrying it and include details such as their name, a unique serial number and an NI Water logo.

Also attach your door chain, if you have one, if not, ask the caller to hold the ID 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, call our customer helpline on 08457 440 088.

Liam Mulholland, Head of Customer Services NI Water advised, “It is very unusual that someone claiming to be from NI Water will call to your door. If, however, this does happen, simply call our customer helpline on 08457 440 088 to confirm with staff whether the person is in fact genuine.

“When you are phoning to clarify the ID, our Customer Service staff will check: Name, Serial number and Date of issue. Don’t be afraid to check the ID. Genuine callers won’t mind waiting while you do. NEVER allow anyone access to your property unless you are sure of who they are.

‘‘Following this simple advice is a surefire way to keep your home safe from some of the less welcome Hallowe’en visitors this year. It’s no treat to be tricked like that.’’

The same message applies to telephone calls from people claiming to be from NI Water and asking for bank details. Do not give this information out over the phone. Simply hang up and report the call to the police or NI Water customer service helpline.

Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=45978

Posted by Newry Times News on Oct 31 2014. 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