NIE advice in wake of a bogus caller at Cullybackey

IN the wake of a recent incident in the Cullybackey area where a bogus caller was pretending to be from Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), the company has issued this safety advice:

* Do not let anyone into your home until you recognise them

* Ask the caller for their identification and check it carefully

* Ask them to wait outside and close the door until you check their ID. A genuine NIE meter reader can provide you with a card to allow you to submit your own reading

* Call NIE on 08457 643 643 to check if the meter reader is genuine. Alternatively, you can call the PSNI’s Quick Check scheme on 0800 0132290

Tom Doran, NIE Metering Manager, said, “NIE is the electricity network company. We read the meters of all homes and businesses across Northern Ireland, no matter which supplier bills you for your electricity usage.

“All of our employees carry an official identification pass, marked with their name and company logo. Home or business owners should always ask to see this ID card before allowing entry. We take the safety of our customers very seriously. Our engineers or meter readers expect to be asked for ID, so please don’t be embarrassed to check.”