A TEAM of Spanish conmen have been trying it on with returning holidaymakers.

Tricksters have come up a cheeky scam that could easily catch out the unwary - traffic fines for offences that were never committed.

A number of people from North Yorkshire and beyond have returned from their holidays in the Canary Islands to find letters telling them of an outstanding traffic fine.

They demand the sum of 108 euros, or about £72 at the current rate of exchange. One recipient immediately realised it was a con because he had never driven a vehicle while on holiday.

However, trading standards officials fear that the threatening nature of the letter may lead to some unsuspecting people sending off the cash. They are warning everyone returning from a break in Spain to beware.

Some letters may be signed by Juan Carlos Jemenez and come from a company calling itself Medio de Corte Credito Recoudale Estorbar Exiyir.

Others are from Miguel Walbery from a company called Deuda Recaudar Alguacil Y Exigir Servicios.

Anyone who has received such a letter is advised to tell trading standards because a liaison mechanism has been set up in this country to advise Spanish authorities about the extent of the problem.

Call the trading standards team on 0845 330 3313.