Tasmania Police is warning businesses around the State to be vigilant following reports of a man scamming local businesses by pretending to need cash to call a locksmith.

“This man tells staff members that he has locked his belongings in his vehicle and then proceeds to ask the business for cash to pay the locksmith to unlock his vehicle on the promise of returning the money,” Detective Senior Sergeant John Parker said.

“The man provides false personal details to the businesses and has even encouraged some businesses to take a photograph of him as surety. The man is provided the cash and never returns.”

The alleged offender has used this same scam in the Southern and Western District.

Northern CIB is investigating the reports and is urging anyone with information to come forward.

If you’ve been a victim of this scam, or have any information about it, please contact Launceston CIB on 131444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au