SCAMMERS have been targeting unsuspecting shoppers on high streets using the three cup con.

Redbridge Council issued the warning after enforcement officers and police teamed up to thwart con artists’ attempts to swindle people out of their money.

Tricksters hide a ball under a one of three cups and encourage people to guess where it is.

Con artists plant stooges in crowds who “correctly” guess where the ball is, giving the impression the game is fair.

However, the ball is removed by sleight of hand earlier in the trick, meaning the guess is never right.

Customers part with anything from £5 to £20.

Councillor Sheila Bain, cabinet member for civic pride, reassured shoppers that scammers face severe punishment if caught.

She said: “These scammers will feel the full force of the law if caught.

“We have very sophisticated CCTV in all the hot spots and our enforcement officers are constantly patrolling, so we will catch up with the people who are doing this.”