North Vancouver RCMP are warning motorists to be on the lookout for a man they say is posing as a driver in distress in order to swindle others out of cash.
The suspect, described by police as a scruffy, overweight Caucasian man in his 40s who often wears a reflective vest and hard hat, has been approaching people in recent days and asking them for help jumpstarting a broken-down vehicle. When they agree to assist him, he spins an elaborate story involving another car that has supposedly been towed and gets them to lend him money before asking them to drive him from location to location for as much as an hour. When the target finally gets fed up with the charade, they typically drop him off and never see their cash again.
So far, five victims have reported the ruse to police, and investigators believe there may be more out there.
North Vancouver RCMP are asking anyone who believes they have fallen victim to the man to report the details to them in the hope the information may lead to an arrest.
Anyone who has interacted with the man is asked to contact the detachment at 604-985-1311 and ask for Sgt. Peter DeVries.
James Weldon
