OCEANSIDE -- Police are warning the public to beware of scam artists preying on elderly motorists by offering to make bogus car repairs for money.

According to Oceanside police Sgt. Kelan Poorman, the suspects approach their victims at stoplights and tell them that their cars are smoking or on fire. The man or men involved in the scam then pretend to help by fiddling with switches or plugs under the hood, ultimately offering to repair the problem for payment. In the last three weeks, three different Oceanside victims have fallen for the scam, giving the suspects between $1,000 and $4,000 to make the bogus repairs, Poorman said. One victim was conned near Lake Boulevard and College Boulevard south of Highway 78, another near Oceanside Boulevard and El Camino Real, he said.

One suspect has been described as a white or Latino man in his 30s, about 5 feet, 8 inches tall with a thin to medium build, no facial hair and dark, collar-length hair. An accomplice has been described as a thin Latino woman in her 20s, about 5 feet, 6 inches tall, Poorman said. The suspects have been seen driving a newer tan Chevrolet station wagon, a small black car and a newer white pickup truck.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Roy Monge at (760) 435-4931.