The con was simple (and old): A group of British con men showed the German bargain hunters a few iPods, laptops and other gear as “proof” of their authenticity; offered to sell them hundreds of second hand iPods at basement prices; and then proceeded to hand over a 4-lb. sack filled with potatoes instead.

They made off with about $US972 for their efforts, along with the knowledge that they probably took advantage of people who were about to take those “iPods” and resell them again for a high markup. Too bad, so sad!

Regardless, the Polizei are on the case, and there no doubt will be a very large, bitter serving of German potato salad on someone’s dinner table very soon—provided the authorities return their hard-earned wares, now evidence, in a timely fashion (pictured). [Orange - Thanks, Sigurd]