POLICE have issued a warning after a Fair Oak man was contacted by a bogus damp protection company and told they were going to carry out a survey on his home.

The 63-year-old from Fair Oak contacted the police after the woman caller hung up when he started questioning her about the whereabouts of the company.

Now police are concerned the con artists will target other elderly people in the area to try and gain entry into their homes. They are urging residents not to be alarmed but to be extra vigilant.

A police spokesman said: "Please always check ID of people calling and if you have any reservations telephone the company direct to ensure any callers are genuine.

"If you have any doubts whatsoever do not allow anyone access to your property."

Brian Harris, who alerted the police, said the caller, who had a northern accent, told him they had received reports that there was a damp problem in the area and they were carrying out surveys on people's homes.

Mr Harris of Victena Road said: "When I asked her who they were she said they were Complete Damp Proofing Ltd.

When I asked her where they were from she said Manchester, then put the phone down.

"It was very suspicious, especially as we have never had a damp problem in this area - we are too high up.

"She was very confident and professional and then when I questioned her she panicked."

He added: "The police said they would look into it but its worrying because I think there are people who would be taken in by this. We just need to make people aware."