PSNI issue strong warning over new phone scam

Several instances have been reported to police recently where a man has called to addresses across Northern Ireland unannounced and shown Power NI identification in an attempt to sign up the householder to pay their bills by direct debit to gain access to the householders bank details.

Power NI have confirmed that their staff do not cold call to customers’ homes asking for bank details for any reason.

A police spokesman said: “The important issue is to be able to distinguish the genuine from the bogus. It’s important to be cautious, even if the caller claims to represent a genuine organisation, or even the emergency services or a charity.

If you are unsure about any caller to your home claiming to represent an organisation then contact the company or business to check if the call is genuine. Legitimate companies won’t have a problem with you calling them back. Never give your personal or bank details to an unsolicited caller.

Or alternatively, telephone QuickCheck on 0800 013 22 90.

The call is free and will be answered by a trained operator. They will take the details of the company, which the caller claims to be visiting on behalf of, and then contact the organisation to determine if the caller is genuine. If there is anything suspicious the operator will contact the police directly.”

The majority of utility companies operating in Northern Ireland have now signed up to and actively endorse the QuickCheck scheme, which was originally launched in 2008.

Anyone who believes they may have been victim of this type of scam or has any concerns should contact police on 0845 600 8000.

Also contact the police about any suspicious cold call you receive and never give personal or financial details to people you do not know.