A MAIL order con demanding large payments from householders has prompted a warning from trading standards officers.

It involves emergency car tool kits sent unsolicited in the post. Called the Justin Case Bag, the package arrives from an overseas firm with a request for £39.80.

To increase the pressure for payment, the invoice states that a charge of 10.5 per cent interest plus costs will be charged if no payment is received by a set date.

It also implies that the invoice has been given to a debt collection agency.

The tool kit contains items including a tow rope, jump leads, gloves, matches, insulating tape and a torch.

Michael Welsh, Hartlepool Borough Council's trading standards manager, said: "I'm concerned that a person could feel pressured into spending money or giving their credit card details, or a firm's busy accounts office might inadvertently pay the amount."

He advised people receiving the kit to inform the sender it was unsolicited and ask for it to be collected. If it was not collected within six months, it could be treated as an unsolicited gift.

Anyone who receives a kit should call trading standards on (01429) 284007.