POLICE have issued a warning to the public to be aware of a high-profile scam in Brighton and Hove.

It has been labelled the ‘three cup scam’ after reports on Thursday that scammers were conning tourists out of money near Brighton Palace Pier.

Last year police received a number of calls about the same scam operating in the city centre and on the seafront.

Inspector Brian McCarthy said: “This is not a new scam and has been reported to police throughout the UK.

“Videos can be found online detailing how this scam works but basically a three cup scammer will normally operate with a small mat, three small cups and a small sponge ball.

“The ball is placed under a cup and the cups are moved around the mat.

“The ball is often shown during movement.

“The customer is then asked to guess what cup is hiding the ball but not before having to give between £20 and £50 with the chance to double your money if you guess the correct location of the ball.

“However, at the last moment and using sleight of hand the ball is removed from the cup.

“Stooges are often used to simulate a winning customer and to draw a crowd.

“The stooges also act as distractions and spotters for approaching police officers.”

He said people have fallen victim to the con and large groups of students have been specifically targeted ,as well as locals.

He said: “We would encourage anybody who sees this act to call the police on 101 and report it.

“Officers are aware and targeting patrols to try to catch this group.

“Don’t be taken in, this is a con and a total waste of money.

“If you see it report it.”

You can report online quoting serial 788 of 22/06.

Police issued a similar report last September.

The Argus reported that the scam had been widely used during July and August 2016.

Police say they are keen to speak to any witnesses from the most recent incident before it happens again.

This is the most popular time of year for large groups of students to be together in the centre of the city.

Many of them will be here on holiday from overseas.