A PENSIONER has become the latest victim of a "cold and calculating" con involving a three-piece suite.

Trading Standards officers said that the man, from the east Cleveland area, was offered it in exchange for his old three-piece suite, which was in reasonably good condition.

But when his daughter later examined the furniture she discovered it had rips and tears and was worthless.

Trading Standards support officer Michelle O'Rourke is warning people living in the Redcar and Cleveland area about the scam.

She said: "It's all quite simple and so far effective. But it's also cold and calculating, preying on the vulnerable.

"I've had reports that there have been cons operating in little communities, knocking on doors and offering what seems to be a bargain of a new suite that's being held in a van. And, as in the case of the elderly man, sometimes the purchaser doesn't even see what he's buying.

"Now we want to put a halt to what has been a lucrative little earner by making people aware of this type of operation. Our advice is just say no."