WARNING ISSUED ABOUT 'FISHY' DOORSTEP CARD READER SCAM

The warning comes after several elderly residents in Wirral were tricked into paying hundreds of pounds for bags of fish in a scam which has been reported previously across other parts of the north-west.

Wirral trading standards officers say the fish is unlabelled and nothing is known about how it has been stored and have now alerted their colleagues across the north-west in case the traders move areas. 

Councillor David Lancaster, the lead member for environment and community safety, said:

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“The residents were offered two bags of fish and didn’t realise the amount that was being put into the handheld card reader. They were horrified to find they had been charged between £234 and £254 for the fish. 

“It’s despicable to target older people in this way and I’d urge anyone considering buying on their doorstep to think very carefully before doing so and only use traders you know and trust. If you do want to buy from a new trader, make sure you agree and check the prices carefully, particularly if the cost is being entered into a hand held card reader for payment. 

“If anyone has information about the people responsible for this scam I’d urge them to pass details on to the Citizen’s Advice consumer service by calling 03454 04 05 06.”