DODGY doorstep salesmen are fleecing pensioners by selling them rotten fish, the Evening Times can reveal.

Rogue fishmongers have targeted elderly people with their door-to-door scam and police today issued a warning about the crooks.

They even targeted a woman, who is in her late 70s, and tricked her into paying hundreds of pounds for rotten fish.

Police said there have been reports of incidents in Lanarkshire and the suspects are described as speaking with "Newcastle accents".

A Police Scotland statement read: "Rotten fish is being sold to elderly and unsuspecting persons by males with Newcastle accents in Lanarkshire.

"At around 3.30pm on Tuesday September, a lady in her late 70s was charged a three-figure sum for rotting fish.

"Call 101 with information."

Officers believe the men are using a white van and urged residents to be aware.

Police Scotland recently launched Operation Monarda, which aims to reduce and prevent doorstep crime and arrest those responsible.

Superintendent Ross Aitken, from Safer Communities, said: "Doorstep crime affects some of the most vulnerable people within our communities, and victims are often targeted due to their perceived vulnerability.

"It is a despicable crime which all too often has a hugely detrimental effect on the life of victims.

"This campaign aims to raise awareness of this crime type and offer simple, yet effective advice to the public on how to avoid falling victim to it.

"There are two main types of doorstep crime, bogus callers and rogue traders.

"Both can be extremely convincing in how they present themselves.

"Bogus callers may try to get into your home or obtain personal details by pretending to be someone they’re not, such as a charity collector or meter reader. In reality, they are criminals trying to steal cash and valuables.

"Rogue traders will usually cold call, claiming to be workers offering to make repairs or carry out work on your house, garden or driveway.

"In reality, they charge inflated prices for substandard or unnecessary work."