SCAMMERS have been selling unknown species of fish in a door-to-door con in Worcestershire, putting people’s health at risk.

The offenders have been using high-pressure sales tactics to flog the fish, which is unlabelled and of an unknown quality, and some victims have paid out hundreds of pounds.

Worcestershire Regulatory Services is urging members of the public to not buy from these cold-callers, after receiving complaints about the doorstep sale of bulk fish at discounted prices.

Councillor Bronwen Behan, Worcestershire Regulatory Services joint committee vice chairman, said: “Our advice is to turn away cold callers you don’t know who are trying to sell you fish like this.

“Unlabelled fish from an unknown source could make you very ill, as there’s no way to know if it has been stored hygienically.

“It could be out of date, or of any species, and what’s more you can’t track the scammers or their product afterwards. Even cheque payments may go to someone completely unrelated.

“Protect yourself by only buying from sources you can trust.”

One householder tricked by the scam was told the fish they were buying was filleted, but it was later found to be full of bones and of an unknown species – meaning it could potentially be anything.

Worcestershire Regulatory Services is asking anyone who has encountered door-to-door fish salesmen to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506.

Anyone with details of vehicle makes or registration numbers belonging to the scammers is particularly encouraged to get in touch.