Update from Thames Valley Police - Roadside Selling Scam in Bracknell
Police in Bracknell have been informed that just after 5.00pm on Tuesday 20 April there was a group of 3 eastern European looking males attempting to sell what appeared to be new and boxed iPhone 12 mobile phone handsets, that they were carrying in shoulder bags, to passing pedestrians in the stretch of the High Street near its junction with Market Street.
Fortunately one of the members of public they targeted recognised the handsets as being fakes, and on challenging the males caused them to make a hasty departure in a white Citroen C5 car bearing index YM53……, which was parked in a nearby lay by.
Such fraudsters attempt this type of scam in areas where they find plenty of passing individuals, as well as busy roads, supermarket or town centre car parks, or shopping precincts are also potential target areas.
Don’t fall victim to such scams:
- Fake phone handsets, like other electrical items may well have dangerous wiring they will not have undergone any safety tests. Such items have previously exploded or caught fire when charging.
- Fake mobile handsets will not work as you expect.
- Any apparent guarantee or insurance will not be valid.
- If not actually fakes the handsets may very well be stolen, and will be readily traceable once connected to a phone network.
If anyone sees or is approached by such fraudsters please notify Thames Valley Police via 101.
