A HOTLINE has been set up by trading standards for people to report suspicious door-to-door traders.

Bexley Council is warning residents to always check the identification of people who call or appear at the front door claiming to work for or on behalf of the council.

People should never give callers personal or credit card details or pay cash up front for work or services.

Council contractors are not permitted to carry out private work and all of them carry personal identification, which they will be happy for people to call the council to check.

If contractors need access to your property to carry out work, it will always be arranged in advance.

Residents are advised never to give details such as date of birth, address, credit or debit card or PIN numbers or passwords to a cold caller over the telephone. Call the hotline on 07716 116452.