HEREFORDSHIRE residents have been warned to be on their guard against cold callers offering loft insulation after council officers intervened to protect two elderly homeowners.

Herefordshire Council Trading Standards officers recently stepped in after two residents, both in their 80s, were approached by salesmen claiming to be surveyors and offering loft insulation inspections.

Both appointments followed unsolicited telephone calls. In one case, the caller falsely claimed to be from Herefordshire Council, while another claimed to be acting on behalf of the government.

Trading Standards officers intervened before a sales pitch took place, potentially saving the residents thousands of pounds on unnecessary work.

The council said the incidents were among a number of recent cases involving cold callers using loft insulation and energy efficiency concerns to gain access to homes.

Some residents have allegedly been told their rafters have high moisture readings or that existing fibreglass insulation is damp and needs replacing, before being quoted thousands of pounds for work which is not required.

People who previously had spray foam insulation installed have also been warned to be cautious about companies offering to remove it and install alternative insulation.

Councillor Barry Durkin, Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet member for Roads and Regulatory Services, said the approaches could be convincing.

He said: “We want residents to be particularly cautious if someone contacts them unexpectedly offering to inspect or replace their loft insulation, especially if they claim to be working for the Council or government.

“It is important to stress that the Council wouldn’t contact people about this type of work, because it is not something we would carry out.”

Residents have been advised never to allow unexpected callers into their homes, avoid making decisions under pressure and seek a second opinion before agreeing to work.

Anyone concerned they may have been targeted can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.