Housing Executive tenants in Derry are being advised to exercise caution when answering doors to tradesmen at homes in the city.
The warning follows a recent incident of ‘bogus calling’ where a resident provided money to a man who claimed he was there to carry out maintenance work in the city area.
Housing Executive West Area Manager Avril McAllister said; “Our staff were made aware of a bogus caller offering to carry out maintenance work at a property, including the cleaning of guttering and gardening work.
“An up-front fee was demanded for the completion of work and unfortunately the tenant involved was duped into paying a deposit to the bogus caller.
“Our tenants should always ask to see identification from any callers claiming to be from the Housing Executive.
“All our staff carry identification and their identity can be verified by calling the phone number printed on the pass.
She added: “If they are in any doubt, they should contact their local office or indeed the police.
“Housing Executive staff will never ask for payment from tenants at the doorstep for upgrade of maintenance work.”
For more information, click online at www.nihe.gov.uk.
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