POLICE are warning drivers about a series of scams on roadsides around Hampshire.

Between October 1, 2012, and February 16, police received 65 reports of such incidents on highways across the county – with 13 in the Winchester area.

The scammers generally operate in lay-bys on main routes and junctions, especially the M3, M27 and A303.

They attempt to flag down motorists, often claiming they are out of fuel. They state they have no cash or have lost or left their wallet elsewhere and will offer gold jewellery or, in some cases, a watch in exchange for money.

Motorists were conned out of cash on 11 occasions. The amounts of cash vary from £10 up to £200 on one occasion.

Det Supt Paul Barton said:  “It seems the offenders in these cases are preying on the good nature of their victims. Sadly, some people willingly handed over cash thinking the offer would benefit them. However the gold is fake, often highly polished copper made to look like gold. The goods they offer are practically worthless.”

He added: “Tackling and disrupting organised crime is a priority for the force and it’s believed that the offenders are involved in such groups operating across the country.”

“I hope the actions of these few criminals do not dissuade people from offering help at the side of the road to others who genuinely need it.”

The place and number of incidents:

B3420 Winchester 1

Southwood Road, Farnborough 1

A287 North Warnborough 3

A287 Odiham 1

A30 Sutton Scotney 1

A30 Yateley 1

A303 Dummer 1

A303 Sutton Scotney 1

A3057 Stockbridge 1

A3093 Picket Twenty, Andover 1

A34 Kings Worthy 1

A34 Litchfield 1

A35 Ashhurst 1

B2070 Buriton, Petersfield 1

B3349 South Warnborough 1

Basingstoke 2

Blackdam roundabout, A30 Basingstoke 1

Broughton Road, Chattis Hill, near Stockbridge 1

Bullington Lane, Sutton Scotney 2

Dukes Road, Gosport 1

Headley Road, Hindhead 1

Hogs Back, Seale 1

Hook Road, North Warnborough 1

J10 M3 Chilcomb 1

J12B, M3 Otterbourne 1

J9A, M27 Fareham 1

M27 Hedge End 1

M27 Park Gate 1

M27 Segensworth 1

M3 Basingstoke, (J6)  3

M3 Chilcomb 1

M3 Chilworth 1

M3 Farnborough 4

M3 Hook 1

M3 Hook Common 1

M3 Kempshott 1

M3 Old Basing 1

M3 Otterbourne 1

M3 Southampton 1

M3 Winchester 1

Middle Park Way, Havant 1

off M27 1

Ower Roundabout, A36 Ower 2

Queen Elizabeth Country Park 2

Romsey Road, Winchester 1

Shorefield Road, Downton 1

Street off A31 Ringwood 1

Tidworth/Wilts 1

Tot Hill Services, A34 Burghclere 2

Walworth Ind Estate, Pilgrims Way, Andover 1

Wellington Avenue, Aldershot 1

Winchester Road, Andover 1

Winchester Road, Twyford 1

Total 65