Criminals selling laptop computers are duping people by handing over bags of vegetables instead of the hi-tech machines.

Rather than the latest Packard-Bell or Compaq, unwitting victims out to get a good deal are ending up with potatoes and carrots as well as Argos catalogues, books and bottles of water.

According to Sussex Police, the scam is happening across the county with people being ripped off recently in Hove, Worthing, Chichester, Bognor, Pease Pottage and Hickstead.

Sgt Anna Gent said part of the charm of the con is that the 'laptops' were not being offered at knock-down prices but full retail value giving the impression the crook is a legitimate salesman.

She said: "It's prevalent across Sussex but whether it's happening across other forces I don't know.

"It seems to be the perfect scam. They are not selling them at cheap prices so people don't think they are knocked-off items and the potential purchase seems genuine.

"Persons are being approached in various different locations such as footpaths, car parks and car boot sales where they ask if a person would be interested in purchasing a laptop.

"If the answer is ëyesí then the prospective purchaser is being taken to a nearby vehicle where they are shown a computer.

"Usually the person has to go away to get some money and they come back and are handed a laptop bag.

"Once the cash is handed over, the vehicle is driven off and only then does the person open the bag and realise that they have not received the promised computer."

Instead of cheap prices for the computers, the criminals are offering between £600 and £900, which is a reasonable price for a mid-range computer.

Sgt Gent added: "People are falling for it, why? I don't know. It maybe that people are more prepared to buy at a car boot sale now rather than just at retail outlets.

"It's very easy to criticise and say who would buy a laptop after being approached by somebody but people do and think they've got a bargain."

She added that police are investigating scams like this by looking at any CCTV footage that might be available and by trying to trace the cars involved.

She said: "We are asking members of the public to be wary as it would be better to pay the same money for a reasonable deal at a recognised retail outlet for computers."

If anyone has any information on who may be responsible for the con, they can contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Have you been affected by a similar sting? What do you think of the con? Let us know by leaving your comments at theargus.co.uk/news