Warning – Door-to-door fish selling scam

Guidance has been provided below on dealing with bogus door-to-door fish sellers, from Elizabeth Smeed, Camden’s Trading Standards Officer: Elizabeth.Smeed@camden.gov.uk

Guidance
The sellers are not targeting a particular demographic – they simply knock on every door. The sellers often wear white coats, reminiscent of a high street fishmonger. They will claim that the fish is fresh – having been landed that morning – usually choosing a fishing port in the North East of England.

Customers will be shown a variety of fish, given a low price, get the customer’s agreement and then be forceful in filling the customer’s freezer up. The sellers will take payment in cash, cheque and even have chip and machine machines.

The fish may be short weight, misdescribed in terms of species, may have been previously been frozen, address of the packer may be missing. May not have been transported/stored correctly.

BOGUS CALLERS CAN BE VERY CONVINCING – FOLLOW OUR TIPS WHENEVER A STRANGER KNOCKS AT YOUR DOOR SO THAT YOU DON’T GET CAUGHT OUT

• DON’T agree to buy on the doorstep
• DON’T let a stranger into your home
• DON’T feel that you’re being rude by keeping the door closed or sending them away
• DON’T be scared to say ‘No Thank You’ and close the door
• DO keep the door chain on
• DO ask for ID if they say they are officials and phone the organisation on the number in the Phone Book to check who they are
• DO make a note of any registration numbers or names
• DO report suspicious callers to Trading Standards or the Police

Report to trading standards via Citizens Advice consumer service 03454 04 05 06

You can report any concerns to the Police on their non-emergency number 101

In an emergency call the Police on 999

Warning stickers (see design at link below) are available for residents to display to uninvited sellers. The design of the sticker is also attached as the link below. Stickers are also available from Jessica at: jlc@lawlcs.com
Design of sticker: