Rogue traders are impersonating Croydon Council’s trading standards officers with the aim of ripping off unsuspecting householders.

They are knocking on people’s doors and stating that they are from the trading standards department and claim to be carrying out visual inspections of the guttering and drainage fittings on houses.

The men then advise homeowners that they feel work is required to their property.

Trading standards officers would never cold call in this way and do not carry out inspections of this kind.

Cabinet member for safety and justice Councillor Mark Watson said: “This is a worrying development, one that’s designed to prey on the trusting nature of some of our older, or more vulnerable, residents.

“At the moment, we know they’re operating in the south of the borough, but all residents should be on their guard.”