The hard-luck hoax has hit again this week and police are warning the public of people who want to pilfer your petty cash.

In the past week, the Kelowna RCMP have received a half dozen or so reports of the hard luck hoax throughout Kelowna. Basically, a man approaches the potential victim and asks for money as he is having car troubles and needs a tow. Several descriptions have been provided but nothing to identify a potential suspect. The going rate for this ongoing hoax appears to be $40 which is enough to make a significant dent in your pocket book, but not enough to make you overly reluctant to part with it. The suspect often promises to pay back the cash but in the end the suspect simply snags your money and runs.

The suspect's sole intent is to appeal to your inner desire to help and cleave you from your cash.

Variations of the hard-luck hoax have been seen throughout the year, but feels particularly loathsome during the holidays when money can be tight.

If you're approached in a similar manner, don't fall for this hard-luck scenario. Scammers will continue to sell their deceit as long as people are willing to buy it.

For more information on frauds and other scams, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website.