Potato Laptop Fraud, Police Appeal For Information
Police Hunt Potato Laptop Fraudsters
Sara C Nelson— Huffington Post UK
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Greater Manchester Police are appealing for information after a man handed over cash on the promise of buying discount laptops and received... a rucksack full of potatoes.
The 24-year-old victim was approached by two men outside a Bury retail park earlier this month, who asked him whether he wanted to buy a laptop for £150.
He was shown one and agreed, withdrawing the money from an ATM and handing it over. He was then given a bag containing his purchase and the men left in a green Vauxhall car.
The men are described as white, in their late 30s and of stocky or large build. Both spoke with Eastern European accents and one had an acne-scarred face and stubble.
The same men are believed to be behind a similar scam which saw a 19-year-old victim hand over £660 for an iPhone and laptop before being left with a bag containing bottles of coke.
"It is likely they are continuing to target people across Greater Manchester and I would urge anyone who is approached by them to not give them money.
"Please be mindful that if you are approached by anyone who are selling electrical goods it is highly likely they have been stolen and by buying the goods, you will also be breaking the law by handling stolen items."
Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 872 5050 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Keep those eyes peeled.
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