Scammers have been reported targeting residents in Greenwich offering drain clearing services.

Greenwich Council has warned residents that anyone claiming to be from them offering drain cleaning is lying as the council doesn’t offer that service.

John Pressagh had a man come to their house saying they needed to inspect his drains and his suspicions were raised.

John told News Shopper: “He said they were drain clearing in our area and might need to inspect our drains.

“Later somebody called claiming to be from Metrorod and asking for a large deposit for equipment from a hire company.

“Then came another phone call from a person claiming to be Greenwich Council talking about the deposit. I told him I was going to check with the council offices.”

Mr Pressagh was able to get through to Metrorod and was told they had nothing to do with the council and this was when John’s suspicions were confirmed.

He said: “I looked on net and noted there have been previous drain clearing scams in other areas.”

A spokesperson from Greenwich Council said: “The Royal Borough of Greenwich does not provide drain cleaning services to private properties. Council employees have photo ID with a contact number which residents can call if they are concerned.

“If a resident suspects that an individual is posing as a Royal Borough employee, they should report it immediately to our Neighbourhood Response Team on 020 8921 2892 so that it can be investigated.

“We work closely with the police to take the firmest possible action against scammers and rogue traders. We advise any resident who feels threatened on their door step to contact the police.”