Yellowknife (Dec 17/03) - Police are warning Yellowknifers to be on guard for a scam artist who has been asking for money to, among other things, bail his girlfriend out of jail.

"It's important for people to know he isn't telling the truth," said RCMP Const. Kerri Riehl.

Police say the 28-year-old suspect has already bilked one person out of $350.

They are not releasing the man's name, but say he is caucasian, 6'3", 200 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes.

The man was released from custody about two weeks ago after serving time for roughly 10 fraud-related offences, said Riehl. He owes about $6,000 in restitution stemming from the earlier convictions.

According to police, the man has also said he needs money to repay the fines, but they questioned his sincerity.

"He has no intention of repaying his debts," said Riehl.

Police say the man is not violent and has walked away after being turned down.

"We know who he is. I don't suspect it will take very long (to arrest him)."

In the meantime, Riehl warned people to be careful with their money and to notify police if they have any information about the man's whereabouts.