Drivers conned into handing over hundreds of pounds in 'crash for cash scam' in Gloucestershire

Drivers in Cheltenham and Gloucestershire are being warned to be vigilant after people have been tricked into handing over hundreds of pounds by 'crash for cash' scammers.

One of the victims was in his 70s and withdrew £600 after being conned into thinking he had damaged the wing mirror on the offender's car.

Police say that in the scam, motorists have been driving along the road when they have heard a loud noise from the passenger side of their vehicle.

Once pulled over, they were approached by either one or two men and convinced into believing that they had damaged the offender's car wing mirror.

They were then shown websites on a mobile phone of how much a replacement would cost. Victims then either went to a cash point to withdraw money, or would go home to hand over cash.

Incidents have been reported in areas in Cheltenham including Queen's Road, Gloucester Road, London Road and Brooklyn Road. In Gloucester, incidents have been reported on Reservoir Road and Grange Road.

In some of the incidents the men were described as being white and both spoke with an Irish accent. One was aged in his mid to late 40s, of a stocky build, with short shaven hair which was greying.

The younger male was described as being of a medium build with brown hair.

A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Police said: "Police are warning motorists to be vigilant to this type of 'crash for cash' scam, and to not hand over any money to fraudsters.

"Similar 'crash for cash' frauds include scammers slamming on their brakes at busy junctions and roundabouts so the driver behind cannot stop in time.

"If you feel you have been a victim, note as much information as possible about the driver, passenger, vehicle they were travelling in and circumstances of the incident."