Bogus caller alert for Port Glasgow residents
Tenants and residents in Port Glasgow are being warned to watch out for bogus callers after two men, claiming to be from River Clyde Homes (RCH), tried to gain access to a flat in Thistle Court.
Inverclyde Council and RCH issued the warning after a resident was approached by a man in a surgical mask asking to be let into her home. The resident refused. He then came back with another man whose face was covered with a scarf. Both were again refused entry.
Councillor Michael McCormick, Convener of Inverclyde Council’s Environment & Regeneration Committee, said, “If someone comes to your door claiming to be from River Clyde Homes or the council, ask them to show you their ID card. All staff carry ID cards with their photograph on them.
“It isn’t rude to close the door on a cold caller and then check their identity. A genuine caller will be happy to wait. Council ID cards have a phone number on the back you can used to find out if the person is really a member of staff but you are best to look up the organisation’s phone number yourself rather than use one the cold caller has given you.
“Council ID badges are also usually attached to a pale blue lanyard with ‘Inverclyde Council’ on them.”
“In most cases council staff and staff from RCH staff will make an appointment with you before visiting. Normally, they will not turn up unannounced. Workers will also normally be driving a clearly marked vehicle with either council logos or RCH livery on them.
Jonathan Grant, Head of Customer Services at River Clyde Homes, said, “River Clyde Homes and our repairs contractor, Home Fix Scotland (HFS), both wear distinctive ID badges. HFS carries out all repairs and maintenance, by appointment only, and they have their own new, branded vehicles. We also have private specialist contractors but they always make an appointment before visiting and carry their official identification.”
“If anyone approaches a customer claiming to be from either organisation and that customer is in any doubt to the person’s authenticity, please ask to see their identity card. If one is not shown, please call 0800 013 2196 at any time of the day or night and report the incident.”