Apex tenants in Derry warned of repairs phone scammers targeting residents

Apex said it has received reports of tenants being contacted by phone scammers posing as housing association representatives, with the scammers claiming that they are following up on a repairs issue or complaint.

In a statement the company said: “Phone scammers will call you out of blue and may also pretend to be from an organisation you trust, like a bank or housing association.

“These scam calls may be automated, or from a real person. They may ask you for your personal information like banking details or tell you that you need to transfer money.

Things to remember

“If you receive a phone call from someone posing as a representative of Apex, ask for the name of the person you are speaking to and who they work for. You can check this information by calling Apex on 028 7130 4800 on a different phone line in case the caller is holding the line open.

“Never give out your rent account or bank account details unless you make the call to us on 028 7130 4800.

“If in doubt, don’t be afraid to end the call and refuse requests for information.”

The housing body also advised that if someone visits your home claiming to be from Apex, always ask for ID.

“It’s best not to respond to text messages or missed calls that come from numbers you don’t recognise or are not expecting.

“If you suspect you have received a scam phone call, please report it to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.”

Apex said it does often get in touch with tenants by phone and text to arrange repairs or maintenance; or to inform them about upgrades or upcoming events in your area.

“Please save the numbers below to your phone so you know it’s us when we get in touch: Apex Office: 028 7130 4800; Apex Texts: 075 3022 1221”.

There has been an upsurge in elaborate phone and online scams targeting people generally over recent times, with scammers trying to secure information which could leave people out of pocket.