A group of women in Dundee threatened a man with a knife while asking him to buy things for them.
Detectives are hunting the women, who have been approaching shoppers in the city centre and asking them to go into shops for them.
They say they need help to buy household products and support ill relatives.
In one case a man has reported being threatened with a knife.
Several incidents on Friday January 20 have been reported, involving the women accompanying people into a shop and asking them to pay for goods they have chosen.
Police officers believe there may be more cases and are urging anyone who is targeted to come forward.
DC Neil Pirie of Dundee CID, said: “Our inquiries so far suggest that this involves a group of Eastern European women who are hanging around stores and supermarkets in the city centre.”
He added: “They approach a person and ask for help buying goods, such as household items.
“In some cases they say they need to help family members who are unwell.
“The person approached is persuaded, in one case threatened, and accompanied into the shop or store and then pay for the goods selected by the women.”
Public appeal over Dundee women approaching shoppers
Anyone approached asked to report the incidents to police, particularly if they are threatened or made to feel uncomfortable.
DC Pirie added: “We are also asking shop and store managers to be aware and to let us know if they have concerns.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2299 of Friday January 20.
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