TRADING standards bosses in North Yorkshire have highlighted a new "doorstep selling scam" which is a really fishy business.

They say groups of individuals are masquerading as door-to-door fishmongers and are targeting the county's older residents. They are conning them out of hundreds of pounds, as well as leaving them vulnerable to potential repeat visits.

In one case, an elderly resident was conned out of £298 for a quantity of fish, which was unmarked, unlabelled and unweighed. Through quick intervention by police officers the elderly resident was fortunate enough to retrieve her money.

Other incidents have been reported in Ampleforth, Easingwold, Kirkbymoorside and Northallerton.

If any resident is suspicious of anyone appearing to be selling door-to-door they should contact either North Yorkshire trading standards on 01609 766400 or North Yorkshire Police on 01609 783131.

Updated: 10:48 Saturday, July 12, 2003