Waterford shoppers are being duped by a conman who offers to mend their car after first tampering with it.
Gardaí in the city are warning shoppers to be vigilant following reports of a man damaging cars parked outside supermarkets and then receiving money to repair them.
The man, in his late 40s, apparently pulls wires from under the bonnet and then waits at a discreet distance for the unsuspecting shopper to return to the vehicle.
After loading their groceries into their car, the victims find they are unable to start the car. To their relief, a passing stranger comes to their rescue.
The man lifts the bonnet, takes a quick look and informs the innocent shopper that a part is required.
The supposed Good Samaritan then drives to pick up a part to fix the car. On return with a car part in his hand, he fiddles with the engine and reconnects the loosened wires.
The man then asks for anything from €60 to €90 to cover the cost of the mysterious part.
Gardaí say the man is operating around all the city's major shopping centres, with incidents occurring intermittently.
The fraudster is also picking on shoppers that are more likely to be inexperienced in dealing with the mechanics of their car and is particularly focused on women and the elderly.
