RESIDENTS are being warned of people selling fish door-to-door in the area.

Fish sellers that trade door-to-door, cold calling at homes, offering to sell ‘fresh’ fish for cash or card payments are operating within Wrexham.

This black market fish often comes with no proper packaging, has no species or date information present, and is likely to have been transported in a non-refrigerated vehicle putting people's health at risk.

There are many legitimate fish sellers who trade in the county, unfortunately it is not uncommon for residents to receive a visit from these criminal traders trying to sell large quantities of fish at extortionate prices.

Many offer to come into homes to put the fish in the freezer, and they will be long gone before the unsuspecting buyer realises the inedible products they have purchased.

The advice from Wrexham Council says: "Like most cold callers at your home, these criminals prey on older and vulnerable people and will pressurise you into making purchases that are not wanted or needed. As well as making demands for cash payments, they’ve been known to use hand held card machines where they inset large amounts hidden from the purchaser not allowing them to see what has been charged. No receipts are given, and price lists or business information including names or phone numbers may be false.

"With no details to trace these conmen, once they have gone you’ll be left with a product that from a safety aspect should never be eaten.

"Our advice is to never deal with anyone at your door.

Incidents can be reported to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 113 or for the Welsh Speaking service on 0808 223 1144. Alternatively call Police Non-Emergency on 101.

Sign up for council scam alerts at https://wrexham.gov.uk/english/user_register/register.cfm