Don’t be fooled by motorist’s scam
This is a message from Neighbourhood Alert Information sent on behalf of Nottinghamshire Police
Message sent by
Jason Crofts (Police, PC 1146, West Bassetlaw, East Bassetlaw & Sherwood)
A man has been posing as a stranded motorist in a bid to con money from good Samaritans who stop to offer assistance.
There have been a number of reports of a dodgy driver who has been pulling up in lay-bys on or near main roads like the A1 and M1 and popping his bonnet.
When concerned motorists have stopped to ask if he needs help, he has claimed to have broken down or run out for petrol and asks if they can lend him some money.
As surety, he offers jewellery and a card featuring his contact details. Of course the jewellery is worthless and the contact details false.
The latest incident happened at the Retford junction of the A1 at around 11.20am on Wednesday (20 February 2013). A woman stopped to help a man, who was in his late 30s, around 5ft 10ins tall and with short dark hair. He was of stocky build and Asian or of mixed race.
He was well dressed and polite and driving a silver saloon car.
Fortunately the woman did not fall for his scam and instead reported it to police. The man left the scene before officers arrived.
If you have had a similar encounter or have any information about the culprit contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.