Kelowna RCMP are warning the public to be on the lookout for a prolific offender with a history of fraud.
Despite 44 convictions between 2002 and 2012, RCMP say a recent investigation suggests he is still out plying his hard-luck scam.
The unidentified 40-year-old Kelowna man has 10 convictions for fraud and another 18 for false pretence offences over that 10-year-span.
According to Cst. Kris Clark, reports of the serial scammer are often eerily similar as he provides the victim with his name and then offers one of two different tales in order to misappropriate their money.
"The most common scam he uses is that his truck has broken down, has been towed, or has run out of gas and that he needs money to pay for a tow, for fuel, or to get his vehicle back," says Clark.
"The second story he uses, although a little less frequently, is that he is a new neighbour and has locked his keys in his residence and requires money for a locksmith."
Clark says the man is known to police to use crack cocaine and supports his habit through the commission of his scams.
"Over the years, he has taken thousands of dollars from dozens of victims and there are probably countless unreported incidents."
He is described as:
- Caucasian male
- 40 years
- 6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
- 190 lbs (86 kgs)
- Short brown hair
- Hazel eyes
Don't fall victim to scams:
- Don’t feel pressured to give money,
- Don’t disclose personal financial information,
- CALL THE POLICE
For more information on fraud prevention, please visit the BC RCMP website or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.