Menu
19/06/2019
Warning Over Bogus NI Water Callers
NI Water is warning customers to be aware of bogus callers this summer after an elderly person was targeted in County Antrim.
The pensioner, from the Monkstown area, is believed to have fallen victim to a distraction burglary in recent weeks.
The water provider warned against fraudulent callers who often pose as staff in order to gain entry to private property to check the water supply or cause a distraction while an accomplice breaks in. Such incidents often result in valuable items being stolen.
The public are advised to always check for ID if a cold caller arrives, as all NI Water staff carry ID cards. This will have a photograph of the person carrying it and includes details such as their name, a unique serial number and our distinctive NI Water logo.
Anyone who feels vulnerable should attach their door chain or ask the caller to hold the ID card up to a window or put it through the letterbox in order to read it properly without opening the door. Customers should not feel afraid to check ID, as genuine staff members won't mind.
Carol Duffy, Head of NI Water's Customer Service Centre, gives this advice: "It is 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 the 'Quick Check' number on 101. 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 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."
The same security message applies to telephone calls from people claiming to be from NI Water and asking for bank details. This information should never be provided over the telephone.
NI Water also provides a range of free additional services if you have a disability, are an older consumer, have a serious medical condition or need extra help for any other reason.
If this applies to you, join the Customer Care Register by calling Waterline on 03457 440088.
(JG)
The pensioner, from the Monkstown area, is believed to have fallen victim to a distraction burglary in recent weeks.
The water provider warned against fraudulent callers who often pose as staff in order to gain entry to private property to check the water supply or cause a distraction while an accomplice breaks in. Such incidents often result in valuable items being stolen.
The public are advised to always check for ID if a cold caller arrives, as all NI Water staff carry ID cards. This will have a photograph of the person carrying it and includes details such as their name, a unique serial number and our distinctive NI Water logo.
Anyone who feels vulnerable should attach their door chain or ask the caller to hold the ID card up to a window or put it through the letterbox in order to read it properly without opening the door. Customers should not feel afraid to check ID, as genuine staff members won't mind.
Carol Duffy, Head of NI Water's Customer Service Centre, gives this advice: "It is 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 the 'Quick Check' number on 101. 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 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."
The same security message applies to telephone calls from people claiming to be from NI Water and asking for bank details. This information should never be provided over the telephone.
NI Water also provides a range of free additional services if you have a disability, are an older consumer, have a serious medical condition or need extra help for any other reason.
If this applies to you, join the Customer Care Register by calling Waterline on 03457 440088.
(JG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 December 2016
Cold Callers Target Elderly Residents In Ballymoney
Elderly and vulnerable residents in the Ballymoney area are being targeted by cold callers requesting that they hand over any new £5 notes. A man and woman claiming to be from the government are asking residents to return all notes to them as they are no longer of legal tender.
Cold Callers Target Elderly Residents In Ballymoney
Elderly and vulnerable residents in the Ballymoney area are being targeted by cold callers requesting that they hand over any new £5 notes. A man and woman claiming to be from the government are asking residents to return all notes to them as they are no longer of legal tender.
12 April 2023
NI Water Warns Households Of Bogus Callers
NI Water has issued a warning to households to be vigilante to bogus callers posing as staff of the utility company. Bogus callers are an all too common problem, and their preferred course of action is to pose as staff seeking to gain entry to check the water supply in the customer's property, or causing distraction while an accomplice breaks in.
NI Water Warns Households Of Bogus Callers
NI Water has issued a warning to households to be vigilante to bogus callers posing as staff of the utility company. Bogus callers are an all too common problem, and their preferred course of action is to pose as staff seeking to gain entry to check the water supply in the customer's property, or causing distraction while an accomplice breaks in.
03 October 2023
Report Highlights Quality Of NI Drinking Water
Northern Ireland's drinking water remains at a 'high standard', according to the new Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) report for 2022.
Report Highlights Quality Of NI Drinking Water
Northern Ireland's drinking water remains at a 'high standard', according to the new Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) report for 2022.
23 September 2022
NI Drinking Water Quality 'Remains High'
The quality of drinking water across NI remains highs, according to the latest report from the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI).
NI Drinking Water Quality 'Remains High'
The quality of drinking water across NI remains highs, according to the latest report from the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI).
06 August 2024
O'Dowd Commits To High-Quality, Safe Drinking Water
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has committed to ensuring homes and businesses across Northern Ireland have access to high-quality, safe drinking water.
O'Dowd Commits To High-Quality, Safe Drinking Water
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has committed to ensuring homes and businesses across Northern Ireland have access to high-quality, safe drinking water.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
