Trading Standards Issue Warning Over Bogus Fish Sellers

The Trading Standards team at Wrexham County Borough Council is warning consumers to beware of bogus salespeople trying to persuade householders to buy fresh fish.

Recent reports to Trading Standards at neighbouring Denbighshire County Borough Council and North Wales Police have noted the presence of door-to-door traders asking residents – including the elderly and vulnerable – if they would like to buy fish.

Rebecca Pomeroy, Specialist Environmental Health Officer for Wrexham County Borough Council, said: “We are concerned regarding this matter, especially as to whether or not the sellers are registered as a food business operator – a legal requirement – and if they are adhering to all proper safety and hygiene regulations.

“When buying fish from door-to-door salesmen, the buyer will not have any way of checking how the fish have been stored and whether or not they are safe to eat. Such bogus salespeople tend to use non-refrigerated vans, and there are likely issues with the labelling, quality and descriptions of the fish – and they may pressurise vulnerable residents to buy more than they actually need.

“As with any doorstep caller we would urge people not to be tempted to buy and ask them to leave.  The best place to buy fish is from a reputable fishmonger at an established shop or stall or even with a trader with a regular prearranged round”

Anyone wanting advice on doorstep trading, or to report an incident, can contact the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 (03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language) which gives free, independent and impartial advice on all consumer issues, or the police on 101.

Any person feeling intimidated or threatened by any doorstep seller should shut the door and call the police emergency number 999.