Cheshire Police are warning businesses to be vigilant against a scam which tricks them into giving money away.
The con, referred to as 'ringing the changes' works by confusing staff into handing over more money than they were given.
Two businesses in Wilmslow town centre have been targeted by conmen in recent weeks.
On Sunday, 24th February, a male tried to swap money in the Mulberry Bush Café and con staff out of more money.
A similar incident occurred in Starbucks on January 27th.
PCSO Jim Newns explained "The scam involves shop staff exchanging sums of money to a seemingly innocent customer seeking change. In truth, the customer is a practiced criminal who relies on some well-rehearsed patter and sleight of hand to take full advantage of shop worker's good will. Very often it is only when the so-called customer has left that the deception is discovered.
"Variations on the theme have been applied across the UK and include receiving change and then immediately cancelling the transaction while failing to return an amount of cash, or changing money to foreign currency accepting it and then cancelling the deal and not returning a portion of the money. Persons also pay for an item and when receiving change say they handed over a larger amount to pay."
Call Town Centre 01625 383686 if you suspect a person of trying this scam, so the suspect can be monitored, and call Cheshire Police on 101.
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