Motorists in Shropshire warned over “Gold” rings ruse
Motorists in Shropshire are being warned by police not to handover cash to strangers offering "gold" rings in exchange.
The warning follows several incidents where motorists have been approached or flagged down by people in a car saying they need to buy petrol to visit a sick relative but have run out of money.
They have pleaded for help and offered rings in exchange for money, claiming they are gold.
A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: "This is a con trick. The rings look like gold but are not. They are made from brass or similar metal and are virtually worthless.
"We urge people not to be taken in if approached in this manner. They should contact the police on 101. Do not handover any money."
The latest incident happened at around 1.30pm yesterday when a motorist was flagged down on the slip road at junction 3 of the M54.
Two men and a woman of Eastern European appearance in an old Volkswagen, possibly a Passat, asked for money to visit their sick father in hospital at Dover.
The motorist initially said he had no money but eventually handed over £280 receiving 16 "gold" rings in exchange. He later found out they were not gold.
The police spokesperson added: "These people may sound convincing and can be very persuasive. But do not be tempted and if they persist, say you are calling the police. Do not part with any money."
