POLICE are warning motorists to beware of a scam involving men claiming to have broken down, who say they need money for fuel.
In the reported cases, motorists have been flagged down by men from a supposedly broken down car. They have either asked the victims for cash so that they can buy fuel or pay for taxi fair, or offered jewellery in exchange for cash.
The men operating this scam have been working in groups and appear to be targeting lone female drivers.
Incidents have been reported in towns and rural areas as well as motorway service stations.
Superintendent Jon Betts, of Cheshire Police, said: “There have been no reports of the men operating this scam using violence but they can be very intimidating to their victims.
“We ask motorists to be wary of anyone flagging them down under suspicious circumstances and would ask them to report any similar incidents to police.”
Anyone who believes they have been a victim of this scam, or who sees anyone acting suspiciously, should contact Cheshire Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency or where there is a crime in progress.
