Tandridge District Council is asking Council tenants to be vigilant if someone visits or calls their home offering to check for repairs.
It said many tenants report they are being repeatedly called by pushy companies to make housing disrepair claims. They are then promised quick compensation.
Warning signs include no official Council ID or letter of authority, and pressure to sign up with a sense of urgency.
The Council’s official surveyors are Savills, Corgi Technical and Delco Fire; none of these require a signature from tenants. Residents are advised to call the Council before letting surveyors or other contractors into their home.