Beware of NEA impersonators

Beware of NEA impersonators
By Lian Cheong | Posted: 30 November 2010 2109 hrs
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SINGAPORE : The National Environment Agency (NEA) is urging the public to be more vigilant in verifying identities of people who claim to be its officers.

This is after several cases in the past two months where impostors gained entry into homes and robbed them.

In two cases, the NEA impersonators robbed the houses of a total of $120,000.

On a daily basis, NEA officers conduct house-to-house inspections for public health matters.

Officers are told to identify themselves with their NEA authority card and seek permission to enter.

Channel NewsAsia followed NEA officers on Tuesday and found that a number of residents allowed the officers in without verifying their identities.

If in doubt, NEA said members of the public should call its hotline at 1800-2255-632 to check the officers' name and card number stated on the NEA authority card.

Impersonating a public servant is a serious offence which is punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or a fine, or both.

The NEA is working with the police to ensure stern action will be taken against any impersonators.

- CNA /ls