‘Abusive’ cold callers pressuring residents to buy fish for as much as £360
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Council teams say men dressed in white coats driving around in refrigerated vans, have been selling fish from £150 to £360
They said the sellers are using ‘intimidation’ to force customers to buy large amounts they do not want or able to store and eat.
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Hide AdTrading Standards bosses said the sellers were ‘abusive’ if they refused to buy the produce.
Council bosses said the products provided ‘do not have legally required information’ such as use by dates or the type of fish provided.
It’s said the sellers are also ‘failing to provide the necessary pre-contract information’ containing their business details and therefore ‘hiding their identities’ from enforcers.
Multiple incidents have been reported to Trading Standards over the past month with the rogue traders targeting customers in the Lakeside, Bessacarr, Old Cantley and Barnby Dun areas.
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Hide AdDoncaster Trading Standards urges residents not to buy from unsolicited doorstep sellers.
Coun Chris McGuinness, cabinet member for communities, voluntary sector, and the environment, said: “While there are many legitimate fish sellers trading in the Doncaster area, rogue traders are putting pressure on people to buy large amounts of fish at the door for extortionate amounts.
“I would advise everyone never to deal with anyone at their door. Cold callers prey on older and more vulnerable people, and because of the methods used can be very difficult to trace.”
Anyone with information should report it to Doncaster Council’s Trading Standards team on 0808 223 1133 (Citizens Advice) or the Police on 101.