Phone scam targeting elderly

A scam caller has been phoning elderly Auckland residents claiming to be a council worker.

Auckland Council has issued a warning about the scam, which it said appeared to be targeting the elderly.

The caller claimed it was now a requirement for homes to have insulation and heat pumps and asked people if these were installed at their properties.

The scammer would then try to organise a home visit.

However building control general manager Ian McCormick said there was no requirement to have insulation and heat pumps.

"Anyone contacting you about this is not associated with the council."

The council has told police of the scam and advises those who've had a call to do the same.

Anyone with any concerns as to a caller's legitimacy should ask for identification and contact the council on 09 301 0101.