Northern Ireland's Land & Property Services (LPS), which includes the former Rate Collection Agency, has issued a warning to householders to be on their guard against bogus callers claiming to represent the organisation.

The warning follows an incident in recent days in the Londonderry area. A caller, claiming to be an official from LPS, attempted to procure money from a householder on the pretext that rate payments were overdue.

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LPS Chief Executive, John Wilkinson, says that police have been notified and householders should be wary: "It would only be in exceptional cases that LPS officials would call at a ratepayer's home without prior notification. LPS staff members are required to carry credit card sized identification in the course of their duties which includes their name and photograph alongside confirmation that they are acting on our behalf.

Householders have been urged to examine the ID of people claiming to represent the organisation and, if in doubt, contact their nearest LPS district office for confirmation of the caller's identity.

(GK/JM)