KEIGHLEY householders are urged to be on their guard against rogue doorstep callers.

Trade body OFTEC says conmen may try to access people's homes by claiming to offer heating services.

Now the organisation, which represents the domestic oil heating industry, has joined forces with Citizens Advice to issue a warning.

They say householders answering the door to any unexpected caller should always take precautions and look for an official ID badge.

And if there are any doubts about the person's legitimacy, don't let them in.

Malcolm Farrow, for OFTEC, said: "Many of the 9,500 oil-heated households in West Yorkshire have their boiler serviced over the summer months, so it's important to check the details of anyone offering to do this kind of work, particularly if the call is unsolicited.

"By partnering with Citizens Advice for this campaign, we aim to raise awareness of the high levels of scams that are targeted at older people in particular in their own homes.

"According to national Trading Standards, some 85 per cent of these scams are carried out against people aged over 65 and it can have a big impact on them, both financially and emotionally."

OFTEC is also offering advice to people seeking a heating technician to carry out work.

"Once you have confirmed their identity it's important to make sure that any technician who carries out work in your home is fully trained to complete the job safely," said Mr Farrow.

"Using an oil heating engineer who is not OFTEC-registered could result in substandard work.

"When it comes to heating, our advice is don't take risks."