Forum Topic

Door to Door Fish Salesmen - Strand on the Green warning

Hello, I just opened my door to an elderly northerner purporting to have fresh fish for sale. I 'politely' declined as I am aware of such scams but am posting to the forum to let other residents know. They have disappeared from Waldeck Road after I told them I was aware of such scams, so FYI for you if anyone comes knocking, and please keep a lookout in case they get talking to any elderly neighbours who could be vulnerable. I haven't reported to trading standards as yet - should do. Thanks

Deborah Brown ● 2028d14 Comments

This man has been selling fish door to door for years - I’ve never seen anyone buy any though

Julie Carter ● 2028d

Been selling fish for about 10+ yearsIf same people,not so dodgy or pushy, but is it fresh ?.Think someone on here  not mentioning names has brought some in the past of these guys

Julian Pavey ● 2028d

Or possibly bought or purchased 😀Upto my old tricks again until ive posted and noticed.

Julian Pavey ● 2028d

They aren't pushy at the 'hello' but that's the scam I think.  I have asked for business card/flyer - they never have any. And the fish van is always kept out of sight round the corner so you can't see what is being sold. I believe it is fish that has been frozen, defrosted and frozen again. Or that they won't discuss price until they have got you to handle a package of it, then get nasty.  Anyway, could be bonafide but I didn't like the look of them and hence warning really for vulnerable neighbours who are more easily pushed around than I am.  Thanks all

Deborah Brown ● 2028d

Same chap knocked at my door at noon today. Who would buy fish from some random person walking the streets?

Alan McBride ● 2028d

If you have watched the Netflix documentary called seaspiracy you would think twice about which fish you would want to buy ...

Helen Bamberger ● 2028d

Threads like these in the past have just degenerated into  postings of humour.Why not support the poor old sole?Anyway perhaps best be cautious following the OPs warning.

Jim Lawes ● 2028d

I think I just saw the 2 salesman still working the area knocking on doors on Hartington road. One household declined to open via intercom and politely asked the young man to close the gate which he refused to do and was quite rude about it.  Suggest you don't engage.

Matthew Swain ● 2028d

Treat a human being like a human being and you will find reciprocation.

Vivienne Cox ● 2028d

Should have said I saw these gentlemen today

Vivienne Cox ● 2028d

This!"Same chap knocked at my door at noon today. Who would buy fish from some random person walking the streets?"

Nick Jenkins ● 2028d

Hej Deb,we had him knocking too yesterday and politely declined. There IS a really good fish guy who comes on Tuesdays 10-11ish in Strand. His name is Paul and he's rather good & used by many in our street (Geraldine Road).The lad yesterday, however, was new.Helle

Helle Kaiser-Nielsen ● 2027d

Thanks all. I was a bit rude, which I am not normally (!) as could just tell he was dodgy (old guy, not young) and wearing fishmongers coat without a fish van in sight. But, having noted that bonafide Paul does provide fish to neighbours in the area I will in future just politely decline (but still keep an eye out in case they get talking to elderly neighbours in my street who have been conned in the past) Crazy times that we have to be so suspicious of everyone who knocks on the door!

Deborah Brown ● 2027d

A regular occurence in East Acton: weary and generally cheery elderly Geordies in white coats selling door-to-door. Always polite. Question is: who would buy anything unsolicited 'fresh' from unknown and untraceable sources?

Paul Cronshaw ● 2027d