CON artists are trying to flog broken televisions at bargain prices in Glasgow's East End.

Several reports have been made to East End cops about the scam which involves a 'brand new' television being offered at a cheaper price than usual.

Potential victims are targeted in supermarket or retail car park by a man who is selling the televisions out the back of a van or from a car boot.

But although the TVs are boxed and bubble wrapped, they are reported to be faulty once they are set up.

Now the area's top cop Chief Inspector Stephen Hazlett, is cracking down on the scam and fears potential victims might be duped in the run up to Black Friday which falls on November 24 this year.

He said: "I am conscious that Black Friday is coming up and people might think that these are genuine deals. These are scam artists looking to dupe people out of their money."

He added: "If it sounds to be good to true, my experience is it is too good to be true. Don't entertain them, phone the police and we will deal with them."

The Evening Times understands that most of the reported incidents have been at supermarket or retail car parks in the East End of the city.

Most of the major supermarket retailers are aware and it is understood that they have been sharing their intelligence with each other.

No victim has come forward to the police yet but officers are hopeful that they can put a stop to the scam if people are aware it is happening.

Chief Inspector Hazlett, who is area commander for Glasgow East, said: "If you know what is happening, tell us so we can stop someone becoming a victim, and we can try and intercept these people."

He added: "It could be widespread but I don't have any other reports of that. But there has been a couple of supermarket car parks in the East

End of Glasgow which have been targeted.

"It is probably coming to a supermarket near you at some point and it is not the retailer's fault, it is just where you get people congregating."

If you have fallen victim to this scam or want to report an incident contact Police Scotland on 101.

You can also contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.