CONMEN posing as young offenders got more than they bargained for when they accidentally targeted the deputy head of their local Youth Offending Service.

The fraudsters posed as doorstep salesmen selling cleaning products as part of a rehabilitation scheme run by the Youth Offending Service.

However, their scam unravelled when they targeted a victim in Stockton who turned out to be the deputy head of the South Tees Youth Offending Service.

In light of this event, and having received several reports of similar incidents, trading standards officers have issued a warning to residents to be on their guard.

Principal Trading Standards Officer Jim McCluskey said: “The Youth Offending Service and other schemes do not utilise the doorstep selling of goods.

“Any such claim is likely to be false. If residents are approached by sales staff who claim to be approved by the council or any other public body we would like to hear about it.

“I would urge members of the public to be vigilant at all times and always ask to see callers’ identification.

“Anyone representing an organisation is required to have an ID badge and should be happy for the householder to contact their organisation or the police if they are still uncertain.”

If you are suspicious about a doorstep salesman or have information about those involved in the scam, contact the police 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.