Bristol conmen gang alert
Police are warning people to be on their guard after 22 people have come forward to report similar incidents.
Officers said the incidents happened during the past eight weeks and are concentrated in the Highridge and Bedminster Down, Hartcliffe, Headley Park, Withywood and St Anne's areas of Bristol.
Police believe a number of people may be working together to commit the offences.
In each of the 22 cases, the offenders have knocked at people's doors offering to sell them cheap cigarettes, alcohol, biscuits or sweets.
They have then taken money upfront and did not return.
Detective Constable Helen Pearce from Bristol's doorstep crime team, said: "Although we are not dealing with high value fraud here, the simplicity of the crime and prolific nature of the offenders is what concerns us most.
"It is highly likely that there are many more victims out there who are either too embarrassed to have fallen foul of such a scam to report it, or have written it off as bad luck. We want to hear from them: it might be that they have a vital bit of information that could help us find those responsible."
Police have three different descriptions of men responsible for the majority of the crimes as well as a woman responsible for two incidents, indicating a group may be operating together.
The most common description is of a white man, with short dark hair, clean-shaven, and a Bristol accent.
DC Pearce said: "As most of the victims are elderly, we are urging their friends, family and neighbours to alert them to this scam.
"Not only is it leaving victims out of pocket, but it is humiliating for them and we are concerned that, if not caught soon, the crimes committed could become more serious."
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of this crime but has not reported it to police is asked to call 0845 456 7000.
Anyone who is approached by these or similar offenders should call the police immediately on 999.
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