A 94-YEAR-OLD Runcorn woman has fallen victim to a fraudster in her own home.

A man knocked on her door and offered to sell her a large box of fish for £20.

The elderly woman paid using her debit card and later discovered that he had taken a payment of £270 from her card.

Halton Council is now warning people to be on their guard after the same fraudster has been reported operating in Warrington and other parts of Cheshire over the past few weeks.

Halton Cllr Dave Cargill, board member for trading standards, said: "This is particularly callous due to the resident's age.

"If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam please contact one of our specialist officers.

“They are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.”

Trading Standards Officers advise anyone who has bought fish from a cold-caller and paid with a card to check their bank statement.

Anyone caught out by a scam can call Halton Council’s trading standards officers on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775.

Fraud can be reported on the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 040506.