The Purley Village Blog

Original Message posted 21st Oct 2009 by Karla

TESCO CARPARK SCAM

Hi all,

On my way back from work walking through the Tesco carpark a man approached me asking for spare change. He claimed that his car was in the petrol station and had run out of petrol, and he'd left his wallet at work. I gave him £1 as he seemed genuine, but when I told my boyfriend the story he said he'd seen a man doing the same thing a week earlier. He matched the same description - approx 6ft-6ft4, slim, dark shortish hair, approx age 30 - so I wonder if it's a regular scam that is being carried out. Has anyone else been approached in this way?

Reply posted 23rd Oct 2009 by Lyn

Tesco Carpark Scam

I was approached quite a few months ago so I don't think this is a new scam. I realised I had been duped as soon as he walked away and wondered off between the parked cars looking for his next mug!

Reply posted 6th Nov 2009 by Ben Stafford

Car Parking Scam

I was approached by a man of similar description on High Street with the same story last week. Seems he must make a few quid out of it.

Reply posted 11th Nov 2009 by Heather Elliott

TESCO CARPARK SCAM

I too was approached by this man about three weeks ago, but was not convinced by his story and gave him nothing - how far would some lose change go to pay for a tank of petrol anyway?

Reply posted 14th Dec 2009 by Smith Jones

Me too

I have also been approached by this man outside Jolly Farmers Pub. I walked away from him as he didn't look "genuine" and I was in a rush.