Residents are being warned not to fall victim to a cold-calling scam that preys on vulnerable and elderly people.

Several pictures and videos have been posted on Dartford and north Kent social media groups accusing alleged scammers of knocking on doors pretending to be deaf.

These people then ask for money in exchange for pictures but according to many posts, these people fail to produce ID.

Police are warning residents to be vigilant.

A spokesman for Kent Police said: "This is believed to be a cold-calling scam and has also been reported in other parts of the country including Yorkshire, Lancashire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.

"It has involved up to two people, usually a man and a woman, knocking on doors with a sign saying they are deaf and that they are selling drawings.

"They tend to target older and more vulnerable people.

"Kent Police would advise residents to remain vigilant and always check the identity of anyone knocking at their door.

"Keep front and back doors locked, even while at home, always use a door chain and don’t let strangers in. If you feel threatened by a caller, call the police. And if you have any doubt about who is at your door, don't answer it."

One commenter on Facebook said: "All my friends in Kent, tell your vulnerable loved ones NOT to open the door to this man! He just rang my bell and pushed a piece of paper in front of me claiming that he is deaf and wanted to sell me some drawings so he can feed his children because he is very poor and has no job. I remembered hearing this week about a gang of scam artists doing this in the area so I quickly shut the door."

Another said: "This man who claims to be deaf knocked on my front door with a note asking for money. Beware of no ID in the Northfleet area."

Have you seen this scam in action? Get in touch at tom.bull@london.newsqeuest.co.uk