QuickCheck

The Quick Check Scheme aims to provide reassurance to members of the public about callers to their door claiming to be from utility companies.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland is working in collaboration with the Utility Regulator and five energy network companies, Firmus energy distribution, Northern Ireland Electricity Networks, Northern Ireland Water, Phoenix Natural Gas Ltd and SGN Natural Gas, on this scheme.

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 now call 101 to verify their identity.

The majority of callers to your home will be there for genuine reasons. However, there are those who may pose as official callers from utility companies.

If you are concerned about the identity of someone at your door, call 101 and you will be given the option of going through to the Quick Check facility.

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 organisation/utility supplier to determine whether the caller is genuine.

If they are not who they say they are or you think that there is something suspicious, the operator will be able to send the police directly to you.

What to do when dealing with unexpected callers to your home

Always ask callers to your home for proof of identity. Genuine callers will be only too happy to provide this information and to wait outside the property until it is verified. Do not give a caller 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 flower pots).

Follow this advice when answering the door:

  • Before answering the front door, make sure the back door is locked.
  • If there is a door chain, remember to use it before opening the door.
  • 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.

Cost of calls to QuickCheck

Calls to the Quick Check 101 number from landlines or mobile phones* cost 15 pence, regardless of the length of time you are on the phone or the time of the day you call.