PEOPLE in Lewisham have been targeted by criminals posing as trading standards officers in an attempt to scam them out of money.

The imposters claim the courts have awarded damages to residents after builders carrying out work on their properties have been jailed.

To obtain their compensation, victims are asked to make a payment and given instructions on how to do so by the bogus officers.

Police urge people to take extra caution when dealing with unknown callers.

If someone calls at your home claiming to be from trading standards make sure your door remains locked until their identity is confirmed.

You can do so by ringing Lewisham Trading Standards on 020 8314 2288.

To confirm an officer’s identity the public are encouraged to phone Lewisham police on 101.

If confronted with a bogus official or police officer please telephone 999 immediately.