Vulnerable residents should register a password with utility companies, urges Castleton resident

Castleton resident Frank Salt is warning vulnerable people to register a password with utility companies after receiving two suspicious phone calls.

Mr Salt, who is blind, has received calls from people claiming to be from Electricity North West and ‘the Water Board’ which was quickly corrected to United Utilities.

He said: “I received the second bogus call on Tuesday 16 June, and said he was from the Water Board, which it hasn’t been in years.

“He asked to speak to me then asked me to verify my address and date of birth.

“At this I told him I was not happy with the call and hung up.”

After dialling 1471, Mr Salt discovered the number had been withheld.

He continued: “I am registered with all my utilities as a vulnerable person, being blind, and have a password with all of them. I did not ask for my password as I had a feeling the call was bogus; there were no 'office' sounds in the background.

“I strongly advise all vulnerable people to register a password with all the utilities; it takes only one phone call or fill in an online form. Family and friends can set this up for you.”

Furthermore, whilst many of us may ask to see ID when people call at the door to determine if the caller is legitimate, if this is not an option for you, you can also use the password scheme in person.

Mr Salt added: “Whenever I have a caller via the phone or the door, I always ask for my password and it has always worked with the caller using my details to tell me my password.”

Password schemes are utilised by United Utilities, Electricity North West, plus each energy supplier. This is usually part of each company’s Priority Services Register, which is a free service.

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Useful information

United Utilities

Register online for Priority Services, or call 0345 072 6093; text relay: dial 18001 followed by 0345 072 6093.

• Read more: https://myaccount.unitedutilities.com/PriorityService

Electricity North West

You can sign up to Electricity North West’s Priority Services via telephoning 105 or 0800 195 4141, or emailing customerwelfareteam@enwl.co.uk.

• Read more: www.enwl.co.uk/power-cuts/priority-services-register/

Ofgem’s Priority Services guide for energy suppliers and network operators

Each energy supplier and network operator maintains its own register. To get on it, you need to contact your energy supplier.

Ofgem has a useful guide about how to do this, and what help you can receive.

• Read more: www.ofgem.gov.uk/consumers/household-gas-and-electricity-guide/extra-help-energy-services/priority-services-register