POLICE are warning people not to buy goods in the street after a couple were conned into paying £700 for a bottle of Vimto.
The husband and wife thought they were buying an Apple iPad, an iPhone 5 and a Samsung S4 mobile phone from a man who approached them in Hull city centre.
After they handed over the money, he gave them a laptop bag, which contained a bottle of Vimto.
A spokesman for Humberside Police said: "We would like to hear from anyone else who may have been approached by this man and would urge people not to purchase goods of this type from unknown people on the streets.
"Valuable electronics such as the ones described here are better purchased from legitimate stores where guarantees are provided and the quality of the items is assured."
The fraudster approached the couple outside NatWest bank in Jameson Street between 11.40am and noon on Tuesday.
He offered to sell them the electrical items and took the pair to Albion Street car park, where he entered a black Ford Focus and showed them the goods. Another man was inside the car.
After the couple paid £700 in cash, the man handed them a laptop bag. Both men then left.
A spokesman for Action Fraud said: "Be wary about people offering to sell products on the street, particularly at a price that seems too good to be true.
"Legitimate sellers will not mind if you want to take some time before committing to a purchase, or ask for more information to check the product is not fake.
"Do not hand over money to individuals you do not know or trust and always check you have received what you have agreed to pay for.
"If the situation does not seem right, do not be afraid to walk away."
The scam echoes a similar fraud last year, when people were conned into handing over hundreds of pounds for iPhones and were instead given potatoes and bottles of water.
Patrick McDonagh admitted one of the offences, committed at Walton Street Market. He was caught after his victim took a picture of him on his mobile phone.
The man who approached the couple in Jameson Street is described as white, of stocky build with broad shoulders, short, brown hair and yellow teeth.
He was wearing black jogging bottoms, a dark grey puffed jacket and grey trainers with a green pattern on.
The second man, in the car, was also white, with short brown hair and was wearing a light top. Both men are said to have spoken with Irish accents.
Anyone with information should call Humberside Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
