Don't get caught by cod fraud!
Published 2 Feb 2012 09:25
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FISH-SELLING fraudsters have been reeling in residents in East Lothian over the past fortnight - including one unwitting customer who forked out £300 after falling victim to the con.
Trading standards officers are advising county residents not to be taken in by door-to-door fish salesmen who are using hard-sell tactics to fleece consumers.
Working in teams, they often target vulnerable older adults, offering to sell them a piece of fish.
After the consumer agrees on an initial purchase, the fish sellers then offer to fill the freezer with a large amount of pre-packed fish and then demand large amounts of money.
The teams work all over the country, rarely using refrigerated vans and selling fish which is often days old.
Derek Gray, principal trading standards officer, explained: "We are aware of these rogue traders already operating in the Gullane and Gifford areas but it can be difficult tracking them down as they very rarely leave any means of identifying them.
"I would urge residents to be cautious before accepting the fish on offer, and to shop around before making a hasty, and expensive, decision.
"If you have any doubt just say no thank you, close the door and call Trading Standards."
One recent incident in East Lothian in the last fortnight saw a resident pay £300 for an order of about 30 various types of fish, only to find out later from a neighbour that they had been significantly overcharged.
Trading standards officers are asking residents to take certain steps to avoid the fraudsters.
If a fishmonger comes to the door:
Always get a receipt with the contact details of the seller, and a list of the price and type of fish purchased;
Always check the identity of unknown callers;
Do not allow door-to-door sellers in your home.
Councillor Stuart MacKinnon, economic development spokesman for East Lothian Council, added: "This type of practice is clearly detrimental to both consumers and legitimate local traders.
"East Lothian Council is working with the police and other Trading Standards officers in other areas to investigate these traders and we would ask
people to be on their guard and report any concerns to us."
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