Courtesy photo/NSBPD. New Smyrna Beach police are asking the public to be alert for this man, 48-year-old Mark Pastones, whom they consider to be a con artist.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- A man has been contacting area businesses claiming his vehicle is broken-down; his kids are stranded in the disable vehicle.
He is begging for help, asking for money, claiming it is needed to tow his vehicle. He may arrive by a van with a taxi sign attached, police Detective Tony Ford said.
Mark Patsones., 48, may also claim to be an owner of a business and will pay back the money given within an hour or so, Ford said.
"He drops names to make you feel comfortable and have sympathy towards him with his story of grief," Ford said. "This man is a confidence artist. He has been arrested numerous times for this same offense. His current whereabouts is unknown, but he is believed to be living in the Halifax area."
Ford added: "Do not give him money. Call your local laenforcement agency immediately if he approaches you."
The New Smyrna Beach Police Department is requesting if anyone who has been approached by this person or has given him money to please call Detective Ford at 386-424-2240 or e-mail him at tford@cityofnsb.com.