Beware ‘Good Samaritan’ on the road fraud

THAMES Valley Police is urging people to look out for a fraud on the roads of the area, which is being reported around the South-East of England at the moment.

Whilst driving, the victim is flagged down by a man (or men) next to a broken down vehicle. The man states that he needs money to get petrol. As payment, the man offers the victim one to three ;gold’ rings and may also provide a business card suggesting links to Berlin, Germany or Glasgow, Scotland. The amount of cash taken is between £20 and £300. However, the rings are worthless and definitely not precious.

Offences are occurring on ‘A’ roads and slip roads at major junctions in the South of England. One victim reports seeing the same offender(s) back at the same spot (the A41 bypass near Tring, on this occasion) two days later at approximately 12:50pm.

All suspects are described as male and with dark hair. The description of the ‘broken down’ vehicle varies.

Offenders seem to target men over the age of 55.  Prevention advice – Do not accept jewellery as payment!