POLICE are investigating second-hand car scams in East Dorset, after two people became victims of similar incidents. 

On the evening of Monday, 11 July two men attended a property in New Road, Ferndown to view a car which was advertised as for sale. 

Whilst the bonnet was open, one of the men distracted the seller and it is believed the other man poured oil into the radiator. 

The owner subsequently discovered that the car had a fault. The two men were very sympathetic and offered to still buy the vehicle, but for thousands of pounds below the asking price. 

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Fortunately, the car owner refused and sought advice from a registered garage and the fault was easily remedied at relatively low cost. 

The second incident happened on the same day between 4.15pm and 5pm in Camel Green Road in Alderholt. 

The owner of a car advertised on Autotrader received a car from a man requesting to view the vehicle. 

Two men went to see the car and during the viewing distracted the couple trying to sell the car and during a test drive the vehicle then showed an electrical fault and black smoke came out of exhaust pipe. 

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A neighbour had witnessed part of the interaction and had seen one of the men pouring liquid into the bonnet area and came out to inform the sellers. The two men then quickly left the area in a car, which had a Romanian number plate.  

One of the men is described as in his early 30s, about five feet eleven inches tall, of big build and with dark hair. 

Police are appealing for witnesses of the incident. 

Police Community Support Investigator Millie Vaughan, of Dorset Police, said: “These two incidents were very similar in nature and I would like to alert our communities to this type of scam to avoid anyone else falling victim. 

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“I am keen to hear from anyone who might have further information about the offenders or has been approached in similar circumstances. 

“Also, I would advise anyone selling or planning to sell their car to be aware of anyone operating as described and to report anything suspicious to police." 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220111784.  

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.