Residents in the centre of Edinburgh have been warned of "strangers" knocking on doors posing as council officials.
There have been "numerous reports" of fake council workers using the current coronavirus pandemic in a bid to gain access to residents' homes in the Dumbiedykes area.
The fraudsters claim they have been sent by Edinburgh Council and offer help, according to Dumbiedykes Residents Association.
However, local councillors have confirmed that no department had sent staff to visit residents at their properties over the last two weeks.
The Association, who operate an emergency food distribution system for struggling locals, have also added that they will never send a stranger to deliver food parcels.
Residents are being urged to contact the police immediately by calling 101 if they are approached by suspicious people at their door.
In a statement, Dumbiedykes Residents Association said: "Over the last two weeks there have been numerous reports of strangers trying to use the COVID-19 crisis to gain access to residents houses in Dumbiedykes.
"These people will claim to be offering help. Some will claim to be working for or sent by Edinburgh Council. They are not.
"For ten days the DRA has been in contact with all four of our Councillors to establish if Edinburgh Council are sending workers to residents doors. They have been unable to find any Council department doing so.
"The emergency food distribution system in Dumbiedykes involves neighbours delivering to neighbours. This system is put in place by DRA, Braidwood Centre in partnership with Edinburgh Helping Hands for a reason. To ensure safety, accountability and effectiveness. We will not send strangers to your door."
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