Surrey County Council has issued a warning about the sale of leather jackets con artists relieved victims of hundreds of pounds.
The trading standards team has told people to be on their guard after four people bought jackets that they were told were made of expensive Italian leather but were actually cheap alternatives.
They paid between £190 and £500 for each jacket.
The conmen have been operating in retail parks. Incidents have taken place at Tesco, in Oxshott Road, Leatherhead and Ladymead Retail Park, Europa Park Road, Guildford.
Two victims were also targeted at their homes.
The scam involves someone claiming that they are desperate for cash and will sell expensive Italian leather jackets at a knockdown price, or that they are on their way to the airport and cannot take the jackets with them because they are far too heavy.
Kay Hammond, cabinet member for community safety, said: “This is an old con trick and the reasons they give for being forced to sell can vary from needing cash to pay off gambling debts to simply having fallen on hard times. During the recession don't be pressured into handing over your hard-earned cash to these people."
Peter Denard, the county council’s head of Trading Standards, said: "We urge residents to be vigilant and not allow themselves to be encouraged to hand over any money, as the items are of very poor quality and certainly not worth the prices paid for them.”
Ring Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 if you are approached by these men.
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