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Shoppers have this week been warned not to fall for scam auctions at which goods turn out to be faulty or do not exist.

Hertfordshire Trading Standards officers said they intervened to stop a sale in Borehamwood a fortnight ago after tip-offs from residents who received flyers for the sale at their homes.

The leaflets advertised electrical goods at large discounts for sale during an auction planned to take place in the town on April 26 and 27.

Similar auctions which have taken place across the country have been found to be cons, promising discontinued goods, liquidation items or last year's stock at low prices, officers said.

In reality, the goods are not available for collection on the day, and customers are tricked into buying what turn out to be faulty or damaged items.

On some occasions, shoppers are only shown their "bargain buy" from a distance, or even just its box.

Sales techniques are used to encourage people to bid for "first come, first served" items before anyone else can purchase them, with operators only taking cash and leaving consumers with little or no comeback later.

County councillor Richard Smith, executive member for community safety, said: "We're very pleased the prompt action on the part of Trading Standards prevented this sale going ahead - which may well have saved people a lot of money and disappointment.

"But we're on the alert and are asking people to let us know if they receive or see flyers for this kind of event.

"We're also asking venue owners to let us know as soon as possible if they think their hall or room may have been booked for this purpose."

Mr Smith said if an auction "seems too good to be true, it most probably is".

Anyone who has received a flyer for a sale, and is unsure whether it is genuine, should call the Consumer Direct helpline on 08454 04 05 06 for advice.

8:19am Friday 9th May 2008

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