Householders have been urged to beware of scammers trying to rip them off with toxic mould scares.
The tricksters, who have been targeting elderly and vulnerable people in deprived areas offer 'free surveys' to ensure people do not have mould spores in their home.
In some cases Trading Standards say conmen pressure the victim for an "admin fee" ranging from £50 to £250.
They also claim this is needed for a Government energy-efficiency grant.
Reports say crooks disappear and do not to carry out any work.
But it's claimed victims cannot contact them to get their cash back.
Scammers have also carried out work using spray foam insulation, which they claim has “mould-killing qualities.”
Huge amounts amounting to thousands of pounds have been charged for poor trade skills and work, found to affect the ability of the property to secure a mortgage
A retired teacher in Glasgow is said to have almost lost £7,000 after cold-callers claimed they had found toxic mould in her attic.
They pressured her into taking a loan and asked her to online.
But her bank spotted evidence of a scam and stopped the transaction.
Other scammers are are operating where they try to broker surveys by phone and using text messages.
The mould scams follow an inquest into two-year-old Awaab Ishak's death in December 2020 from a respiratory condition in a housing association flat in Rochdale, Greater Manchester.
In December an announcement was made that every housing association property will be checked for damp and mould and problems fixed.
John Herriman, chief executive of Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) said: “As people worry about their energy bills during the cost-of-living crisis, many are cutting back on heating, which can lead to problems with damp and condensation.
“By cashing in on people’s legitimate concerns about mould and energy efficiency, scammers continue to plumb the depths of cynicism.
"They are exploiting elderly residents, parents, and anybody they think they can trick into handing over money under false pretences.
“Trading standards will continue to work to ensure that front doors will always remain closed to scammers, and those responsible for scams are brought to justice.”
Katherine Hart, the CTSI's lead officer on doorstep crime said: “Don’t engage with anyone at the door, and never invite a cold-caller into your home.
"If you are thinking about installing energy-efficiency or anti-damp measures in your home, make sure you check that the company you use is fully accredited and you know where to reach them if you need to.
“Similarly, never respond to offers of home repair work you receive via text or phone – in most cases these are sent by scammers seeking to steal money or personal details.”
