Warnings of two dangerous scams are currently being circulated by e-mail. The following was forwarded to one of our production team recently:

BEWARE OF NEW CAR-JACKING SCAM - NOT A JOKE!

"This is from a Manchester Police Officer. Imagine you walk across the car park, unlock your car and get inside. Then you lock all your doors, start the engine and shift into reverse. You look into the rear-view mirror to back out of your parking space and you notice a piece of paper stuck to the middle of the rear window. So, you unlock your doors and jump out of your car to remove the paper (or whatever it is) that is obstructing your view. When you reach the back of your car, that is when the car-jackers appear out of nowhere, jump into your car and take off. Your engine would be running (ladies would have their handbag in the car) and they practically mow you down as they speed off in your car. "Just drive away and remove the paper from your window later and be thankful you read this notice. Please inform all friends and family, especially women. A handbag contains all identification and you certainly do not want someone knowing your home address, as they already have your keys!"

DON'T SMELL THE 'PERFUME'!

Readers may already be aware of another scam; beware if you are accosted in a car park or petrol station by supposed sales people with a list of fine perfumes for sale. Victims of these 'salespeople' report that they are encouraged to smell a 'sample'. Rather than smelling perfume, however, the unsuspecting customer is sniffing ether and passes out quickly, leaving the crooks plenty of time to get away with the victim's wallet and any other valuables they might find. Forewarned is forearmed, as they say.