GOLD was offered in return for money to a motorists flagged down near Basingstoke Crematorium.

Police have arrested three people following the suspicious incident on Tuesday at around 10.30am on the A30/A303.

Two men and a woman flagged down a passing motorist saying they had run out of petrol and would offer gold in return for money.

The jewellery was supposedly valuable, but in reality it was actually worthless.

Fortunately for the 73-year-old driver who was stopped, the police were passing and were able to intervene before any money was handed over.

Officers would like any members of the public who may have been in the area at the time and also been stopped to get in touch with them on 101.

Previous scams that have been investigated have seen highly polished copper made to look like gold, which has then been offered in return for cash. Scams like this can often be connected to organised crime gangs and can target vulnerable motorists in specific areas.

What can you do?

  • If you spot anyone acting suspiciously in this way at the roadside, please call police immediately. If possible, please take down the registration number of the vehicle.
  • If you suspect someone’s request for help isn’t genuine, don’t be afraid to refuse, especially if you think that person is trying to scam you, and call police immediately.
  • If you have been a victim and haven’t yet come forward, please contact the police as soon as possible because you may be able to help with enquiries and trace the people doing this.
  • Anyone with information about these roadside scams in Hampshire or the Isle of Wight should contact police on 101 quoting 44150311783 or via the website http://www.hampshire.police.uk/internet/do-it-online/online-forms/message-for-officer.html You can also call the charity Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.