The Christchurch City Council is warning residents not to open their door to possible scammers who claim to be carrying out asbestos checks on behalf of the council.

The council has received reports of individuals visiting private properties in the city asking for permission to enter.

Local resident Linda Dalley alerted the council and police after her son was approached by two men at his home in
Bryndwr.

"They came out in to the house and went round various rooms," Dalley said. "We didn't know at the time they were actually cutting a little piece from the boards at the top of the wall."

Dalley says the men didn't ask for money, and their intention remains unknown.

Anyone with further information is asked to contact Christchurch police.