Time Out tricksters strike again at London restaurant

A third restaurant fraud has been perpetrated by the Time Out con artists.

Chutney Hut in Hanwell, London has become the latest site to be duped by the fraudsters in as many weeks.

Marie Martélle enjoyed a free meal at the Chutney Hut last week having used the ruse she was a Time Out guide restaurant critic conducting a review.

Although Martélle told the restaurant’s owner that a photographer would be calling later to arrange a photo shot, he became suspicious after hearing nothing and, being unable to reach her on the fake e-mail she had provided, contacted Time Out directly, raising the alarm.

The con artists, claiming to be inspectors for the eating out guide, have also struck at the Thai Handwell restaurant in Uxbridge and the Fiddlers restaurant in Harrow Weald, both in Middlesex, in the last few weeks

Going by the aliases of "Robert Blair" and "Marie Martélle", they turned up both times claiming to be critics for Time Out and even had fake IDs to back up their assertions. Each time they have left without paying.

London restaurateurs warned to be on guard after 'Time Out' con artists strike >>

By Tom Bill

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