MOTORISTS have been warned to be on their guard after a driver in Burton became the latest victim of a scam police say is becoming a growing concern.
Staffordshire Police said officers had seen an increasing number of reports of the con, in which victims are targeted by tricksters pretending to have broken down, often blocking the path of cars behind.
Then when the unsuspecting driver gets out to help, the conmen offers fake jewellery in exchange for cash.
Such incidents were first flagged up elsewhere in the county, but the scammers have added East Staffordshire to the list of target areas following an incident in Burton and another in Yoxall in recent weeks.
Staffordshire Police are becoming increasingly concerned by rising reports of the scam attempts and have warned motorists not to fall into the same trap.
Sergeant Bob Champeau, from Burton Police, said: “This is a growing crime trend which sees people being offered jewellery in return for payment of cash.
“They pretend to have broken down in their vehicle and offer gold jewellery in lieu of cash.
“It’s a scam and I would urge people not to engage with it. They are basically handing over rubbish.
“In the incident in Burton a male asked to be taken to hospital and placed a gold coloured chain around the victim’s neck, which was given back.
“In Yoxall, the male pretended to run out of petrol and asked for cash.
“He had stopped in the middle of the road so there was no way of getting past. They asked for £20 for it so they could pay to get fuel.”
Anybody with any information is asked to contact Staffordshire Police on 101.
