ACROSS North Yorkshire, householders are being warned not to be taken in by bogus callers scamming people over home energy schemes.

The county council's public health team has issued the warning after reports of fraudsters contacting residents either by cold calling or telephoning to persuade them to sign up, and being asked for money.

Bogus callers have been reported in Hambleton, Richmondshire, Ryedale and Scarborough. Callers are knocking on doors or telephoning people to offer targeted households a government-funded energy efficiency scheme.

County Councillor Andrew Lee, executive member for public health, said: “We have received reports of residents being contacted either by door knocking or telephone by people claiming to have been appointed to deliver schemes on behalf of the council.

“There have been reports of residents being asked for money in advance, which we and our contractor would never do.

“Some claim they are working with E.ON, who we have contracted to provide the Green Homes project.

“Our schemes require no financial contribution and neither we nor our contractor would make unsolicited calls or visits. Initial contact with householders would be by letter.

“We would remind people not to provide any personal details over the phone or at their door. Anyone who wants to check a caller’s identity can call E.ON on 0333 202 4820.”

The council is urging anyone who wants advice about a scheme they have signed up to or a green energy product they have bought, or who wants to report any suspicious cold calling at the door or by phone, to contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1144.