SCam

[annie]

Message sent by
Keith Sandham (Police , Watch Liaison Officer, EAST - Watch Liaison Officer)

This scam / theft occurred on a supermarket car park in Nelson last week, but could easily occur in another similar environment, which is why I am sending it out across East Lancashire.
The victim having paid for her shopping at the till asked for a sum of money via the cash back system. The money was then placed in her purse along with the receipt and vouchers folded together.
As the victim was returning to her car she was approached by a white male who spoke to her in broken English. The story given was that he wanted change so he could ring a recovery firm as his car had broken down, offering a pound coin in exchange.
The lady opened her purse but was unable to provide any change. However the man saw an RAC membership card in her purse and asked for the phone number. He actually reached out and touched the card in her purse, studying it for a moment as though he was memorising the number, he then thanked her and moved away. It was only later that the victim found that the money, receipt and vouchers were missing.
It is thought that the male could well have been loitering near the tills and spotted the cash back and the RAC card therefore giving him a plausible story in order to get close enough to steal her money.
Please be aware of this scam to get at your money, especially as the shops get busier in the run up to Christmas. By the time you have realised there is something fishy going on it may be too late.
You should also be aware that the story may change to sound more convincing in the prevailing circumstances; it may not be exactly as recounted above so be on your mettle

[Rosalind]

go90 tha22222

[JaneJ]

go90

[irenee]

thank you

[Honey]

than999