TOURISTS are being targeted by swindlers trying to con them into paying bogus traffic fines after they come home from Spanish resorts.
It is believed that conmen - based on the Costa del Sol - have found home addresses on databases, including timeshare ownership lists, on the Canary Islands.
Victims have received official-looking letters from an agency said to be working on behalf of the Justice Department of Gran Canaria. They say the tourist has been found guilty of a traffic offence and must pay a fine and costs.
The British Embassy in Spain has warned about the sting and trading standards officers around Britain have been alerted.
Widower Richard Kirk, 69, from Swinton, received a letter last week demanding £85 for an alleged offence committed in March.
It said that if he did not pay before June 25, Spanish authorities would seek compensation through the British judicial system and a county court judgement would be issued against him.
The letter said money should be sent by international bank transfer to an address in Madrid, the Spanish capital.
The envelope was postmarked Mijas Costa, a seafront resort on the Costa del Sol.
Mr Kirk said: "I've not been to Gran Canaria for about 12 years and I have never driven there.
Read more at
www.manchesteronline.co.uk/news/s/121/121969_fines_scam_by_costa_conmen.html
British Information for Spain: http://www.ukinspain.com/english/
