CON artists have been prowling in Southend High Street in search of victims.
Police are warning people following a string of reports about dodgy street sellers.
The victims have told officers that they were offered cheap cigarettes, but after their cash was taken they never saw the goods.
Police are keen for people using High Street not to be fooled by con artists. Pc Darren Wooderson is a Town Beat officer. He said: “If someone approaches you on the street with a deal that seems too good to be true, then it probably is. Don’t be fooled into handing your cash over.
Anyone with information should call the Town Beat Section at Southend police station on 101.