Published: Wednesday, 14th April, 2010 3:33pm
Good Samaritan handyman scammed by roadside conmen
by Matt Meade
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A GOOD Samaritan handyman was duped out of £110 by roadside conmen who pretended they had run out of petrol.
Now police are warning other motorists of the roadside scam in which jewellery is offered in exchange for cash.
Stewart Hynd (43) was flagged down by two well-dressed men of Middle-Eastern appearance on the B981 Inverkeithing to Crossgates Road on Saturday afternoon.
He pulled up his works van near their dark blue Mercedes, which had two women dressed in hijab headscarves sitting in the back seat.
Mr Hynd, of Don Road, Dunfermline, said, "I got out and asked them what the problem was.
"The older man explained in broken English that they had no money and that their cash card wasn't operating.
"He said he would do anything to get hold of some money for fuel so I asked if he wanted me to pick up fuel.
"I was 100 per cent taken in at that point - they were well dressed, their shoes were polished and they looked like they were in serious trouble.
"He took a gold ring of his wedding finger as a deposit, then gave me another one and I gave him my business card.
"He then produced a necklace and a bracelet and asked me for another £60."
Mr Hynd became suspicious and took the items to Dunfermline jeweller A J Winski where staff informed him that they were only gold plated.
He added, "I'm a handyman and I thought that I could help them. The two women in the back seat had their hands clapped together and looked like they were pleading with me to help.
"Now I just want to make sure no-one else falls for this and gets conned."
Fife police are now urging members of the public to be aware of the Fife-wide scam in which both pedestrians and motorists are being flagged down then pestered by people offering jewellery for sale.
The origin of the jewellery is unknown, comes with no packaging or authentication and in most cases is found to be sub-standard.
Sergeant Jonathan Peebles said, "This type of scam is common across the force area and I advise the public to politely decline any such approach to purchase jewellery and report the matter to police."
Fife police can be contacted on the non-emergency number 0845 600 5702 or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Have your say. .
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mickymac
Unregistered User
Apr 14, 16:21
Comment: 10430
you read it in paper every day about people getting conned .you say women in back seat looked like they were pleading for help .did you ask if they were ok .oh did you just see£££ sings .at end of day could have been worse for you .it will be a lesson learnt
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robert
Unregistered User
Apr 14, 22:56
Comment: 10440
the same thing happened to me outside valleyfield two weeks ago, I was out walking dog and a flash car with two mid eastern men and two women asked for money for petrol for exchange of gold chain and ring and tried to get me in the car with them to get them money from cash machine near by. but got away from them just. then they tried to follow me in the car, so beware if out alone,
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Superior
Unregistered User
Apr 15, 03:19
Comment: 10446
Come live in Dulloch. This sort of thing does not happen there.
Life is good, especially in dulloch where the more affluent can afford to live in lavish style.
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Maxine
Unregistered User
Apr 15, 10:51
Comment: 10454
I'm sorry but no matter how convincing their story is, I would NEVER hand my bank card over to a complete stranger ! All that glitters is not gold. Just goes to show that some people are born with more common sense than others. Well done to Robets for walking away from them. Pity you didnt get their number plate (probably fake too!)
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minnie
Unregistered User
Apr 15, 12:47
Comment: 10461
hi superor may you live in lavish style but probley up to head in debt
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shabba
Unregistered User
Apr 16, 01:39
Comment: 10491
Aye superior, no so much O a castle, mair o a big hoose eh!.wi the dark blue merc in question parked on the drive like eh? lol
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******
Unregistered User
Apr 16, 11:36
Comment: 10509
This comment has been referred for moderation
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Maxine
Unregistered User
Apr 16, 13:58
Comment: 10512
Superior, Dulloch park - posh my backside. Pretensious maybe. Kinda reminds me of Bannatynes, full of people who pose and slap on the makeup just before they go to a sweaty spin class! If you want to see posh then go to the beautiful town of Melrose in the borders. Dulloch has no individuality as most of the houses just look like clones. Even your Christmas decorations all match! I have been in about seven different houses in the area and wasnt at all impressed with the size of rooms or gardens. If I was going to spend quarter of a million on a house, I wouldnt waste it on there!
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subo
Unregistered User
Apr 19, 07:17
Comment: 10555
are u all to dumb to realise superior is just taking the mick and your all biting?
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concerend
Unregistered User
Apr 19, 14:37
Comment: 10568
i was coming along bye eastend park just before 1 pm today and im possitive this dark blue mercedes was pulled in bye police and they were getting there car seacherd the police were in the boot it had forien numer plate .they fit the discripsion that handy man saw and spoke to .i dont no if any woman were there .they were middle easteren .lets hope so ship them back to where they come from
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non duloch resident
Unregistered User
Apr 28, 10:25
Comment: 10779
Me thinks superior is a rabbit living in DULOCH (note one L in spelling-thicko)and that would explain his delusions. He has myxomatosis and has impaired eye sight and an addled brain. His hutch will be slightly bespoke on the outside but like all the other hutches indoors; a bog standard, drab pokey box.
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anon mug
Unregistered User
Jun 12, 23:45
Comment: 11649
yeah just been caught out in North Devon same scam look out people don t be an idiot like me
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