Bay of Plenty police are warning people to beware of "the crayfish man''.
Police alleged the man sold seafood or meat which never turned up or told sales assistants that he was there to collect money the boss owed him for a raffle, meat or seafood.
He was described as Caucasian man aged around 50 years old and of medium to solid build. He was thought to be driving a green and tan coloured Toyota ute.
Contact the Tauranga police on (07)577 4300 or anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you have information