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New scam as conmen beg for small change
7:34am Friday 9th May 2008
Comments (10)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.
Your Say YourEcho
Steve, Southend-on-Sea says...
9:12am Fri 9 May 08
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!!!
rob atkins, leigh says...
9:34am Fri 9 May 08
Dan, North Leigh says...
9:36am Fri 9 May 08
Do we really care?!!!, Westcliff says...
10:28am Fri 9 May 08
Andy, At work says...
12:10pm Fri 9 May 08
Do we really care?!!! wrote: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 !
Surely most people have always realised this, its common sence - isnt it??!
Sid Rotton, Thorpbay massive says...
3:19pm Fri 9 May 08
Someone, somewhere says...
4:39pm Fri 9 May 08
chunkeymonkey, Southend says...
10:05pm Fri 9 May 08
And he seems to be doing very well at it. Is that a Scam??
rob atkins, leigh says...
10:57pm Sat 10 May 08
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Anonymous, says...
8:53am Fri 9 May 08