A man duped into handing over cash to an international fraudster, who had claimed his credit cards were stolen, is warning others not to fall for the con.

The man was at the wheel of his car when he was flagged down in Cuxton by a smart-looking motorist driving an Audi.

The driver claimed he had run out of petrol.

The incident happened on the slip road leading to the M2 on Thursday, October 15, at about noon.

The 60-year-old, from Gillingham who does not want to be named, said: “It looked as though he was in trouble and I am always happy to help others in need.”

The well-dressed man said he was desperate, having had his credit cards stolen, and he needed some cash to put petrol in his sleek, black car and get home.

He even handed over a business card stating he was in an import and export manager, named Murat Ally, based in England and Germany.

"I will now think twice about stopping if I see someone distressed by the side of the road, which spoils it for people who genuinely do have a problem" - Fraud victim

The victim added: “He removed some heavy gold rings from his fingers, saying they were worth hundreds of pounds.

“He sounded totally believable. I was in the frame of mind to help him, in spite of my doubts.

“I gave him £40 – and stupidly said he could keep the rings.”

The fraudster then told him: “Call me tomorrow and I will repay you generously.”

However, when the man got back to Gillingham he had doubts.

He searched the details of the business card online and found out the man was notorious for carrying out the scam all over Europe.

He found about 30 people who had also fallen victim to a man going by the same name, including a woman who handed over €20 in June 2014 on the German Autobahn.

Some others who had said they had been scammed did take the supposed gold rings from the fraudster, only to find out they were made of aluminium.

The Cuxton victim added: “I tried to call the numbers on the business card, but none of them work. He was of Middle Eastern appearance and wearing a suit.

“I was duped and generously gave him help and my money and I will now think twice about stopping if I see someone distressed by the side of the road, which spoils it for people who genuinely do have a problem.

“I want to warn others not to fall for this scam as the guy is now operating in Medway.”

Police say as well as the incident in Cuxton, they also received a report last Thursday October 22 from someone targeted in a similar incident in Langton Green that afternoon.

A similar fraud also occurred in 2010 with motorists in Maidstone being targeted.

Officers say both incidents have been reported to Action Fraud and advice has been given to motorists who contacted them.

The police spokeswoman added: “People are reminded to be vigilant. If there is a genuine concern for someone’s welfare, call the emergency services.

“Do not hand over any cash, regardless of how persuasive someone may be.”