Men in 'immaculate suits ' are tricking motorway drivers into believing they are stranded , then taking their money in exchange for fake jewellery . There were a staggering 26 incidents on the M4 , M40 and M25 in five days , according to detectives who have urged commuters to be vigilant . The conmen tell innocent motorists who stop to help that they ran out of petrol and their loved one has died - so they need money to get home immediately . In return , the gang members have been offering fake gold rings as 'security ' in exchange for the cash to buy petrol . Conmen : There were a staggering 26 incidents on the M4 , M40 and M25 ( pictured ) involving men in 'immaculate suits ' who tricked motorists out of cash by convincing them they are stranded . Inspector Colin Clark from Thames Valley Police said : 'In some of these cases the men stopping motorists were well-dressed and wearing suits . 'Some stated that a relative had died or that they had run out of petrol and needed money . 'The offenders were often parked in areas which put themselves and other road users at risk . 'We take all reports seriously and take appropriate action against anyone found to be offending . ' The incidents all took place on the M25 , the M4 and the M40 motorways across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire . AA spokesman Luke Bosdet said : 'People getting conned on motorways is deeply disturbing and this is exactly the sort of thing we at the AA warn drivers to watch out for . Lies : The conmen have been lying to innocent motorists who stop to help by telling them they have run out of petrol and a relative has died so they need money to get home immediately ( M4 pictured ) 'It has been happening in Europe and it is very worrying to see it happening here . 'It could be argued that if people are dumb enough to hand over money then in a way , they deserve to be ripped off , but the fact of the matter is that it is a scam that has been happening in other parts of the world . 'The problem is where they go from here . Our advice for people who come across these conmen is to politely say no , drive a safe distance away and immediately call the police . 'The way to deal with these conmen is to catch them in the act . We must get the message through that we will not stand for people getting ripped off on the roadside . '
There were 26 incidents on M4 , M40 and M25 motorways in just five days . 'Stranded ' men tell motorists a relative has died and they need to get home . In exchange for the petrol money , conmen offer them 'worthless ' jewellery . AA says it is 'deeply disturbing ' that innocent motorists are being conned .