CON men have preyed on vulnerable adults selling them rotten fish in their own home.

Halton Council today issued a warning after Runcorn residents with learning difficulties were targeted by a door to door salesman.

The couple, who require four carer visits every day, invited the man in to their home.

A Halton Council spokesman said: “He sold them £90 worth of unlabelled fish which stank. The scammer counted the money from the resident’s wallet.”

Trading Standards officers warn householders not to deal with uninvited callers on the doorstep.

Halton Cllr Dave Cargill, board member for Trading Standards, said: "You can get a free no cold calling card and letterbox sticker from any of Halton’s Direct Links. The card and sticker ask cold callers to leave without knocking.

"If you have a card or sticker displayed and a cold-caller knocks anyway please let Trading Standards know by contacting the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06."

A description of who has knocked, the registration of their vehicle and any business names they have used will help Trading Standards to tackle the problem.

Anyone caught out by a scam is advised to call Halton Council specialist officers on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775.

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