A CONMAN is duping people across Blackburn into buying iPads, laptops, and mobile phones - who later find out the bag is full of bottles of water or fizzy drinks.

Police say the hoaxer, who has struck at least 10 times, conducts all his business from a car, either a green Volkswagen Passat or a red people carrier.

He shows the victim a product through the window and sometimes produces a receipt for buyers who have handed over up to £500 in some cases.

While the victim is distracted, the offender gives them a bag which they later find contains only cardboard and bottles of water or cola. By then, the offender has driven off with their money.

Police said they had reports dating back to July and have now issued CCTV pictures of a man they want to speak to in relation to the frauds.

Audley councillor Zamia Khan said: “It’s a shocking thing to be happening in the town and I would warn anyone from getting themselves into that situation.

“It’s taking advantage of people and it’s not something that we want in our society.

“We don’t have time for people like this and it’s shocking that it has been going on for so long.

“I would encourage anybody who has come into contact with anyone connected to this to go to the police.

“It’s a very serious situation and it needs to be stopped as soon as possible.”

Police said the offences have mainly happened in Asian-populated areas including Sharples Street, St Clement Street and Higher Audley Street.

One on occasion, on September 14, the offender stopped at a cashpoint in Higher Audley Street and attempted to sell a laptop and an iPhone for £350.

The victim said he did not want the phone but was interested in the laptop. The victim took £250 from the cash point after being shown a silver laptop in the car.

The offender then passed the victim a rucksack and said the laptop was inside.

He later discovered it was full of folded up cardboard and two bottles of drink.

In another incident, on October 30 in St Clement Street, a man was approached on the street and offered a laptop, two iPhones and an iPad.

The victim paid the offender and was handed a bag containing a box and some bottles of water.

On July 7 the offender approached a man in Sharples Street and offered to sell him a laptop and mobile phone.

The victim then realised the bag contained cardboard and bottles.

Sgt Denise Fardella said: “I would urge people not to be tempted to buy from people selling items in this way on the street and to report any suspicious activity to police.

“If anyone is approached in a similar manner, if they recognise the man in the CCTV or if they have any information at all that they think could help us trace the person responsible, then I would urge them to contact police.”

The offender was white, in his 30s, stocky or large build with very short hair with stubble.

He speaks with what is believed to be an Eastern European accent.

Anyone with information should ring police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.