Energy Firm Renew Support For Bogus Caller Protection Scheme

Click Energy has joined forces with the Utility Regulator, Police Service of Northern Ireland, and other energy and water companies to renew their support for the Quick Check 101 scheme.

The scheme is designed to protect households from bogus callers who claim to represent energy or water companies. Residents can phone 101 to verify the identity of any callers who visit their homes.

First launched in 2018, the Quick Check 101 scheme has expanded to include all major energy and water companies in Northern Ireland.

John French, Chief Executive of the Utility Regulator said: "Most people who call at your door are genuine, but unfortunately, some are not. Bogus callers are people who call at your home pretending to be from an organisation in order to trick their way into your home and steal from you. Protecting consumers is at the heart of what the Utility Regulator does, and we want consumers to feel empowered and confident in dealing with people who call at their door. We are delighted that the Quick Check scheme continues to be supported by the energy and water industry to help people feel safer in their homes. This scheme compliments the good work already being carried out by energy and water companies to tackle bogus callers."

Inspector Cairns from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s (PSNI) Contact Management Centre said: "The Quick Check scheme provides reassurance to members of the public about callers to their door claiming to be from an energy or water company. 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 on the non-emergency 101 number, then press option two, 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 company 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."

Andy Porter, Managing Director at Click Energy: "Click Energy is proud to support the Quick Check 101 service, which is an invaluable tool for offering reassurance and keeping the public safe from potential bogus callers this winter. Everyone has the right to feel secure in their home, and this service empowers our customers to confidently check the credentials of anyone at their door, genuine or otherwise. Always insist on proper identification, and if in doubt, use the Quick Check 101 service."

For more information, visit: www.uregni.gov.uk/news-centre/quick-check-101-ni-organisations-pledge-renewed-support-scheme-protects-local-residents