Wairarapa residents are being warned to keep an eye out for a "suspicious" man asking for petrol money.
Sergeant Steve Cameron says the man has approached a number of people in the region, claiming he lives in Wellington but has forgotten his wallet at home and needs money for petrol.
He asks for $20 or $30 and commits to paying it back. Several people have given him money, and "have not, in fact, been paid back as promised".
The man is described as being in his late 50s and drives a grey station wagon, and police are urging people not to hand over any money if they are approached in this manner.
"We are also requesting that our community share this information with their elderly family members, friends and neighbours, who may not have access to media or social media," said Cameron.
