Warning on bogus callers

MEMBERS of the public are being urged to hit back at bogus callers with the use of the 24-hour 'QuickCheck Freephone.

The warning comes after residents of Meadowbrook and Drumbeg were canvassed by an individual claiming to be sent by the Housing Executive to install peepholes at a cost of 10.

Sinn Fin Councillor and Chair of Craigavon Community Safety Partnership, Mairead O'Dowd has called on householders to make use of the 24-hour ‘QuickCheck Freephone’ service to ensure that callers who claim to represent a statutory or utility body are in fact genuine.

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Councillor O’Dowd said: “Householders became suspicious when the bogus workman offered to install peepholes in the side of glass-panelled doors and immediately contacted both the PSNI and the Housing Executive. The residents of these two estates are to be congratulated for their quick thinking and quick action in notifying the proper authorities.”

The Freephone scheme is a partnership with the PSNI, ntl: Telewest Business and Fold Telecare and it enables householders to challenge and independently verify the identity of anyone calling at their door.

Councillor O’Dowd added: “There is not a day goes by that we don’t hear stories of robberies involving bogus or distraction callers. The effects of these robberies can go far beyond the loss of money or personal property. It can turn someone’s world upside down when the safety of their home is violated particularly for people living on their own. If you don’t know that a caller is authentic don’t let them in, be safe at all times. Make use of the QuickCheck Freephone service on 0800 013 22 90 and they will check the details of the caller with the various utility companies.”