Police warn serial fraudster is on the prowl in Kelowna

KELOWNA – Kelowna RCMP are issuing a public warning about a prolific scam artist who apparently is still hard at work with a hard luck hoax.

Police say between 2002 and 2012, the 40 year old Kelowna man was convicted 44 times with most being fraud and false pretence offenses.

Cst. Kris Clark say the man uses two stories to take thousands of dollars from dozens of victims.

“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. 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.”

He is described as:
· Caucasian male
· 40 years
· 6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
· 190 lbs (86 kgs)
· Short brown hair
· Hazel eyes

Clark says the man uses crack cocaine and supports his drug habit with his scams.

He advises people to not feel pressured or give personal financial information and to call police if approached.