Bogus phone calls have been made to Redbridge residents by a suspicious caller who is attempting to book home visits.

Redbridge Council is warning people to watch out after receiving three separate reports about similar calls.

The male caller claims to be from “the local council” but does not confirm which one.

He tells the homeowner that if their loft insulation is over five years old, they could be eligible for free re-insulation.

He then asks them to make an appointment for someone to come to their house and to take photos.

On all three occasions, the residents became suspicious, ended the call and reported it to the council’s trading standards team.

A council spokesman said: “The council does run an energy efficiency scheme offering free measures to certain qualifying residents in the borough.

“It is run by London Warm Zone on behalf of the council.

“However, initial contact is never made by a telephone call.”

Residents are advised to not give personal information over the phone without checking a company’s details first.

If you think a call is suspicious, end it and call Citizens Advice consumer service on 08454 040 506.