A new hotline for residents to check the identity of Dudley Council employees calling at their home is being launched next week.
From June 1 any resident visited by a Dudley Council employee can now call the hotline via Dudley Council Plus on 0300 555 2345 to check their identity.
The verification scheme aims to give residents peace of mind when council officers visit and its launch is part of a drive to raise awareness among residents of the need to double check the identity of anyone who calls at their door.
Councillor David Blood, cabinet member for finance, said:
“We want people to feel safe in their home and through our new verification scheme residents can have peace of mind when a council employee knocks at their door.
“Our employees carry an ID card at all times and by calling our new hotline at Dudley Council Plus residents will now be able to check their identity in an instant.
“We also hope the introduction of this scheme will prompt people to always be cautious when people come calling at their door and help stop them falling victim to unscrupulous criminals.”
The hotline can also be used by schools, community centres or anyone else receiving a visit from a Dudley Council employee.
ENDS
Notes for editors
Dudley Council employeescarry an ID card at all times, which has their photograph and ID number on it.
To verify their identity, the homeowner can call Dudley Council Plus on 0300 555 2345 and ask to verify an employee.
The operator will first ask for confirmation of the ID number on the badge.
The householder will then be asked to confirm details displayed on the card, including the employee’s name and directorate.
Each officer has a personal PIN, known only to them. The operator will ask the householder to confirm with the officer two digits from their PIN.
If at any point the details cannot be confirmed, the householder will be informed of this and advised not to let the individual into their home.
