Two people have been scamming people out of cash in exchange for rings that turned out to be worthless.

Your Local Guardian: If it seems to good to be trueIf it seems to good to be true

The first scam happened on Thursday, November 6, as the 64-year-old victim, from Walton, was driving along Lammas Lane, Esher.

He was flagged down at about 2.15pm by people who claimed to need cash for fuel, which they wanted to exchange for three gold rings as surety.

They gave him a business card and promised to repay the money. The rings were then found to be worthless and the business card fake.

The two con-artists were smartly dressed, dark skinned, possibility of Arabic origin, largely built and about 40 to 50 years old. Their vehicle is believed to be a black Mercedes saloon car.

Two more scams took place on Saturday, November 15, between 9.45am and 10.10am.

Another victim, a 54-year-old man from Byfleet, was flagged down at the slip road of the A3 Cobham roundabout by a man who needed petrol to get to Glasgow, and offered to give him some rings for money.

The victim refused the rings but drove to Sainsbury's petrol station in Cobham while the suspect followed.

At the petrol station, the victim handed over £240, and took a business card along with a promise he would pay back the money.

He was Asian, about 40 to 45 years old and stocky. He had a moustache and short, dark well-kept hair. He was wearing a white shirt and dark-coloured trousers and tie. It is also possible he understood Arabic.

Police Constable Dave Atkinson said: "These are despicable offences where innocent people have had their goodwill taken advantage and they have been conned out of money by bogus motorists in need when stopping to help."

Police believe the crimes may be linked, and urge anyone who has been offered jewellery in exchange for petrol money should contact Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference 45140096483.