HOLIDAYMAKERS are urged to be on their guard against the latest scam to hit Wiltshire.

Conmen are attempting to make people cough up bogus traffic fines after they return from trips abroad.

The warning has been issued by Wiltshire County Council's trading standards officers.

Victims receive an official-looking letter from an agency, which claims to be acting on behalf of the Justice Department of Gran Canaria.

In the letter, the sender says the tourist has been found guilty of a road traffic offence and must pay a fine as well as costs.

It comes with the warning that if the £85 fine is not paid via international bank transfer, the Spanish authorities would seek compensation and a county court judgement would be issued.

It is thought the Spanish-based conmen managed to intercept various databases giving home addresses of holidaymakers as well as timeshare ownership lists on the Canary Islands.

Anyone who receives such a letter should call trading standards on 08451 201 202.