Wandsworth residents are being warned against ‘fake dustmen’ conning them out of money.

The warning comes amid reports that two men have been knocking on doors posing as binmen and asking residents for a seasonal tip.

Refuse collectors employed by the council’s contractor Serco are strictly forbidden from approaching residents and asking them for gifts.

Environment spokesman Cllr Jonathan Cook said: “Anyone who knocks on a door, claiming to be a refuse collector in a veiled attempt to solicit cash tips is almost certainly a fraudster.

"If the caller really is a genuine bin collector they will know perfectly well they should not be touting for tips and the penalties they face if caught.

“For these reasons, the chances are that anyone who does this is almost certainly a fraud and an opportunist trying to con people into handing over money.

"Our advice in these cases is to wish them a Merry Christmas back and then close the door."

Wandsworth Council advise that people claiming to be a refuse collectors asking for money should be reported immediately to the police or the council’s waste management team on 02088718558.