RESIDENTS in Redcar and Cleveland are being warned they could lose up to £2,500 in grants if they fall foul of the latest scam involving bogus callers.

Welfare rights staff at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council have reported incidents where people are visited by individuals claiming to be carrying out a survey on heating or energy use.

After going through a questionnaire, they then ask the occupier to sign a document which trading standards officers have said could mean grant payments will go to the caller rather than the homeowner.

Householders are once again reminded to be vigilant when answering the door to callers and to make sure they ask to see identification.

They are also advised not to sign anything without fully knowing the contents and understanding what they mean.