A Sidmouth businesswoman has warned others of a potential scam after being approached to change a large quantity of £20 notes.

Natalie Brittain, director of Daffy-down-dilly, said she became suspicious when two young women came into the sweet shop last Friday and asked for change for a wad of notes measuring half-an-inch thick.

The shop used social media to warn other shopkeepers in case they were approached.

Natalie said: “We do not offer change at the till and they were reluctant to go to the bank.”

Police Sergeant Andy Squires advised shops not to change cash and instead send any person requesting this to the bank.

He added: “We often have reports of persons carrying out what’s referred to as a ‘ringing the changes’ offence - in that they ask for change, then part-way through the process change their minds and somehow end up with the change and their cash back, with a very confused shop assistant.

“They are pros that do this for a living and will easily catch you out. Simple solution is, don’t get involved. Send them to the bank where there is CCTV and staff are well used to the scam.”