WARNINGS have been issued to residents after collectors tried to trick their way into homes by pretending to be from a housing firm.

Bolton at Home urged residents to be careful, after people expressed concerns about claims companies operating on the estates.

The organisation received reports of company representatives pretending to be from Bolton at Home to get inside people’s homes.

Lisa Charles, Bolton at Home’s Director of Business Services, said: “It is important to always check that a visitor is who they say they are before you let them in the house.

“Bolton at Home staff never turn up announced. We will always make an appointment first and show our ID badges when we arrive.

“If residents are unsure if a visitor really works for Bolton at Home they can call us. Our staff will never be offended if you want to carry out an extra check before you let them in.”

Residents have been urged to check that anyone claiming to work for the organisation is a legitimate employee to protect themselves and their homes.

If you're unsure whether someone is actually employed by Bolton at Home, call 01204 328000 to check their credentials.