Monmouthshire's Trading Standards service is warning the public to be cautious following the approach by a man to an 18-year-old male asking him to sign mobile phone contracts.

The man told the youngster that he would receive cash for each contract signed, but not be responsible as a legal loophole was being exploited.

Shortly after signing a number of contracts and handing over phones for the cash as promised, the young man received numerous phone bills listing expensive international calls for which he was liable.

Trading standards officers advise those who enter into a contract for a product or service will be personally liable for that contract.

Victims of this scam should contact the police, the mobile phone companies involved and call Consumer Direct for practical advice on 0808 156 6770 or visit direct.gov.uk/consumer