The Utility Regulator, Police Service of Northern Ireland and energy and water companies have renewed their support of the Quick Check 101 scheme, which aims to provide protection for Northern Ireland consumers.

Quick Check 101 is a scheme designed to protect households against bogus callers. Under the scheme, residents can phone 101, the police non-emergency number, to check the identity of callers to their home who claim to represent an electricity or gas supplier, energy network company or NI Water.

First launched in 2018, the scheme has continued to grow, and now includes all energy and water network companies and electricity and gas suppliers.

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."

PSNI advice:

Always ask for proof of identity from anyone who calls to your door. Genuine callers will be only too happy to provide this information and to wait outside the property until it is verified. Don't allow anyone access to your property until you are sure they are genuine.

Never leave doors unlocked and do not to leave keys in an unsafe place (such as under doormats or flowerpots).

Follow this advice when answering the door:

• Before answering the front door, make sure the back door is locked.
• If you have a door chain, remember to use it before opening the door. If not, we recommend you get one installed.
• Ask the caller for their identification and check it carefully.
• Ask them to wait outside and close the door - genuine callers will not mind.
• Ring Quick Check on 101. The call will be answered personally and promptly by a trained police call handler. They will check with the company that the person at the door is genuine. If they are not or they think that there is something suspicious, the operator will be able send the police to you.
• Do not let anyone into the property until you are satisfied as to who they are.

John French concluded:

"The success of this scheme relies on everyone working together and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank those involved for their continued work and support as we work together to deliver protection for consumers."

More information on Quick Check 101, along with a video providing further information and advice can be found in our consumer information section.

Further information:

• Media contact - Adele Boyle, Utility Regulator on 07787 279584 or the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Strategic Communications and Engagement Department on 028 9070 0084/85.
• The electricity and gas suppliers are Budget Energy, Click Energy, Electric Ireland, Firmus Energy, Power NI, Share Energy and SSE Airtricity (gas and electricity).
• The network companies are Firmus Energy, NI Water, NIE Networks, Phoenix Energy, Evolve
• Calls to the Quick Check 101 number from landlines or mobile phones are free, regardless of the length of time you are on the phone or the time of the day you call. Members of the public should dial 028 9065 0222 if they are unable to dial 101. Some mobile providers or contracts do not permit you to dial 101 - please check with your provider.
• The use of the PSNI's non-emergency 101 number replaces the old Quick Check number 0800 013 2290.