Warning - 2 new scams - Lancs

[annie]

POLICE in East Lancashire are warning homeowners of two new scams — itinerant fish sellers and door-to-door mattress salesmen.

Officers and Trading Standards teams have told residents to be wary after receiving a ‘large number’ of complaints.

Several different sellers are thought to be involved, with the problem first surfacing around Preston, with a new operation now targeting homes in the Blackburn and Burnley areas.



A spokesman for Lancashire Council County said: “One couple thought they were buying £24 worth of fish but later found they’d been tricked into paying £204 for around 30 packs of fish.

“Another consumer was conned into paying £400 for seven packs of fish.

“Many residents have been misled into thinking they are buying a few pounds-worth of fish for dinner.

“Then they feel pressurised into paying an enormous bill and accepting more fish than their freezers can take.

“Other problems that have been reported are issues with misdescribed fish, such as staithe being sold as sea bass, or underweight sales, with a 400g pack of fish described as 1.5lb.

“Consumers are also reminded that the fish is often not refrigerated and may have travelled a long way.



“Trading Standards advice is to buy from local market traders, fishmongers and prearranged roundsmen, who have regular customers in the area and are easy to contact if things go wrong.”

There have also been reports of a man selling mattresses from the back of a white van – which often fail to meet safety standards.

A spokesman added: “The man claims they are an unwanted order or stock from a shop which has closed down.

“One consumer paid £250 cash for a mattress which seems unlikely to meet flammability requirements.

“Our advice is not to buy goods of this kind from door-to-door sellers.


“They are likely to be of uncertain quality and may not comply with safety regulations.”

l Have you been a victim? If you have, contact newsdesk on 01254 298219

http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/ne ... _salesmen/

[maureenho]

The scammers will stoop to anything, you have to keep your wits about you.

[Rosalind]

Disgusting

[wendy]

that fish scam has been around Norfolk for many years.
Looks like they are moving north.

[JaneJ]

That's dreadful