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New scam as conmen beg for small change
POLICE are warning of a new money-making scam where conmen invent legitimate reasons to ask scores of people for small amounts of cash.
The Neighbourhood Watch scheme in Southend, is warning people to beware of the scam, where conmen ask for change for bus, train or parking tickets and phone calls.
Julia Pack, spokeswoman for Southend police, said: "By asking for a small sum of money, they may well be successful in obtaining cash from a number of people.
"This is a form of begging and we would urge people not to give money in such circumstances, even if it is only a couple of pounds."
Mick Holland, from Southend's Neighbourhood Watch, wanted to warn people to beware of strangers asking for money. He said: "Unless you are 100 per cent certain the request is legitimate, be suspicious and don't hand anything over."
Call officers at Southend police station if you witness any suspicious activity, on 0300 3334444.
7:34am Friday 9th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Anonymous on 8:53am Fri 9 May 08
What's the diffence between this new "scam" and begging?
What's the diffence between this new "scam" and begging?
Posted by: Steve, Southend-on-Sea on 9:12am Fri 9 May 08
Erm... correct me if I'm wrong but I hardly think this is a "new" scam.
I'm sure others will agree that if you are in and around the Southend High Street area (or in fact many other areas in the county) you have at some point be hit with the "Have you got 50p for the phone box" line by some guy holding a can of Special Brew in one hand and a cigarette butt in the other.
I'm sure the people of Essex are wise enough to spot such a "scam" without the need of police warning.
I don't know how this has made a news story. I'm guessing the warm weather has dried up all the stories!
Oh... while I'm here, there's a new scam where people ring you and ask for your bank details... don't be fooled!!!
Erm... correct me if I'm wrong but I hardly think this is a "new" scam.
I'm sure others will agree that if you are in and around the Southend High Street area (or in fact many other areas in the county) you have at some point be hit with the "Have you got 50p for the phone box" line by some guy holding a can of Special Brew in one hand and a cigarette butt in the other.
I'm sure the people of Essex are wise enough to spot such a "scam" without the need of police warning.
I don't know how this has made a news story. I'm guessing the warm weather has dried up all the stories!
Oh... while I'm here, there's a new scam where people ring you and ask for your bank details... don't be fooled!!!
Posted by: rob atkins, leigh on 9:34am Fri 9 May 08
Same as old beggers but not politically correct to call them beggers so scammers it is.
Same as old beggers but not politically correct to call them beggers so scammers it is.
Posted by: Dan, North Leigh on 9:36am Fri 9 May 08
new scheme? There have been dodgy people in the High Street asking for money for a phone/bus ticket for years! All over the country in fact!
new scheme? There have been dodgy people in the High Street asking for money for a phone/bus ticket for years! All over the country in fact!
Posted by: Do we really care?!!!, Westcliff on 10:28am Fri 9 May 08
Surely most people have always realised this, its common sence - isnt it??!
Surely most people have always realised this, its common sence - isnt it??!
Posted by: Andy, At work on 12:10pm Fri 9 May 08
[quote][bold]Do we really care?!!![/bold] wrote:
Surely most people have always realised this, its common sence - isnt it??! [/quote] Alas..I still see plenty of people giving them money, It's even worse in London where you see pikey's wandering around with a sinmgle copy of Big Issuue under their arms trying to imply they are a legitimate seller..Do what I do and tell them to go get a job !
Do we really care?!!! wrote:
Surely most people have always realised this, its common sence - isnt it??!
Alas..I still see plenty of people giving them money, It's even worse in London where you see pikey's wandering around with a sinmgle copy of Big Issuue under their arms trying to imply they are a legitimate seller..Do what I do and tell them to go get a job !
Posted by: Sid Rotton, Thorpbay massive on 3:19pm Fri 9 May 08
One such beggar recently asked me for a £5.00 for a cup of coffee I considered this quite reasonable considering how much the new coffee shops springing up in the high street charge for a cuppa , need less to say I told him to take a walk to the end of the pier where you can still get a cup of tea for 2 shillings
One such beggar recently asked me for a £5.00 for a cup of coffee I considered this quite reasonable considering how much the new coffee shops springing up in the high street charge for a cuppa , need less to say I told him to take a walk to the end of the pier where you can still get a cup of tea for 2 shillings
Posted by: Someone, somewhere on 4:39pm Fri 9 May 08
I think there's a new group of about three who are patrolling between the two railways station and Sainsburys and they do literally walk and down all day and evening asking everyone for 20p. They are obvious enough skagheads though...
I think there's a new group of about three who are patrolling between the two railways station and Sainsburys and they do literally walk and down all day and evening asking everyone for 20p. They are obvious enough skagheads though...
Posted by: chunkeymonkey, Southend on 10:05pm Fri 9 May 08
There are dodgy people in the country asking for money - I think his name is Gordon ???, his address is 10, something St???#
And he seems to be doing very well at it. Is that a Scam??
There are dodgy people in the country asking for money - I think his name is Gordon ???, his address is 10, something St???#
And he seems to be doing very well at it. Is that a Scam??
Posted by: rob atkins, leigh on 10:57pm Sat 10 May 08
No Chunk thats not a scam hes mate David told him off for not asking for everything like he will.
No Chunk thats not a scam hes mate David told him off for not asking for everything like he will.
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