FRAUDSTERS conned an elderly man into paying a £50 on-the-spot fine after pretending to be council dog wardens.

The two tricksters told the old man who walking his pet in the Carr Mill area – that they had seen him failing to clean up after his dog fouled, and demanded cash to pay for an on-the-spot fine.

They told him he would face an £80 fine but that if he paid £50 straight away, that would be the end of the matter. Afterwards the pair left in a silver van.

Mike Petersen, principal environmental health officer for St Helens Council said: “Fixed Penalty Notices are often used by the council to deal with less serious criminal offences – failing to clear up dog faeces and littering are common examples.

"However, in such cases, a person would never be asked for cash payment on the street.

“Any resident approached by someone claiming to be operating on behalf of the council should ask for an official identification badge, which all of our staff carry.”

Anyone who thinks they have been a victim of fraud, can contact Merseyside Police on the non-emergency 101 number or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Any leaflets or documentation should be kept and if possible a note made of the registration of any vehicle that the fraudster was using.