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Published on Thursday 27 February 2020

Local residents are being urged not to buy from door to door fish sellers, who have reportedly been seen in the area.

The cold callers offer ‘fresh’ fish that comes from the black market and puts buyers’ health at risk. It comes with no proper packaging, has no date or species information, and is unlikely to have been refrigerated when being transported.

As well as accepting cash, the sellers have been known to use hand-held card machines where they input large amounts that is hidden from the buyer, not allowing them to see what has been charged. No receipts are given, and any business information may be false.

A spokesperson for BCP Council said: "While there are many legitimate fish sellers trading in the area, con men are starting to pressurise people into buying large amounts of fish at the door for extortionate amounts.

"I would urge people to be very mindful of these cold callers, but would also advise everyone never to deal with anyone at their door. Cold callers prey on older and more vulnerable people, and very often cannot be traced."

You can report any incidents to Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 113, or by calling the police non-emergency number on 101.

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