April 19, 2013 12.06 pm This story is over 131 months old

Cash scam duo rip off Lincoln shops

New con: A man and a woman are thought to go around Lincoln with a cash scam that leaves shopkeepers out of pocket, Lincolnshire Police warned.

A man and a woman are thought to go around Lincoln with a cash scam that leaves shopkeepers out of pocket, Lincolnshire Police warned.

The scam involves a man or woman going into a shop and buying something with a £50 note. They take the change and then say they have changed their mind.

They ask for the £50 note back and hand back the change they have been given – usually minus about £20.

This sleight of hand scam is done extremely quickly and they have usually left the shop before the victim realises what has happened.

A man and a woman are thought to be acting together.

The most recent incidents have taken place at the One Stop Shop on Skellingthorpe Road on April 17, and Café Nero and Clinton Cards on the High Street on April 5.

Shopkeepers and staff are being urged to call the police immediately if they suspect anyone is engaging in this kind of activity.

You can call to report any information to Inspector Jane Parks on the non emergency 101 number, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.