Laptop Scam

RussWWFC

Just thought I ought to warn you guys about a scam committed by travellers involving offering a Laptop Computer to you.

It was on Sky One's "Road Wars" a week or so back but I have only just got round to posting.

Basically 2 people will come up and offer you a top of the range Sony Vaio laptop for a very tempting price. I can imagine people going for this as they show it working and its a very nice machine and one that goes for £1K+ new can be "had" for £450 approx.

But its the scam - the only thing thats been "had" is you. Basically they show you it, pack it all up in its case. Then they must distract you as you end up with a laptop bag with 2 bottles of water in it after they switch packages (presumably whilst you are paying)

I was lucky - I didnt have more than £80 on me and they wouldnt do it for that thankfully. But in the heat of the moment temptation can get the better of you - they even offer to take you to a cash machine. Thats when it got too much of a risk for me - I smelt a rat and backed out

The scam is going on in the Thames Valley (I was offered one at Denham Car Boot) but may spread elsewhere - so wtch out!!

BFG_2

What they usually do is put it back in the car boot and switch it there.

They also superglue shut the zip on the one they give you; you then struggle to get it open and gives them more time to do a runner.

Best thing to do (if you're brave) is so get a hold of the actual laptop and then try to pay for it without giving it back to them. Better if there's a couple of you, one can hold it and the oither can make out to pay.

I guess little old ladies (to rob) must be in short supply in some areas? Scum.

RussWWFC

Thats an Idea, I wonder how they'd react to that, especially if they took a low amount. "Nah dont need the case mate!!"

On the programme they had loads of cases in the back of the car so they must have done it a fair few times

ManAtHome

Latest in a long line of similar scams - perfumes, leather jackets, watches, HiFi speakers etc and that's before we get into 'auction days'... If it looks like your lucky day.... probably won't be.! Also I'd suspect if they were real, they'd be nicked anyway.