WATCH OUT: 'Notorious' Con Man Hits Kingfield

Watch out, Kingfield residents—according to the Minneapolis Police Department, a "friendly" con man is stalking your streets.

In an alert emailed to 5th Precinct residents, the department said Mark (or Marcus) Christopher Bell, a "notorious scam artist," was posing as an employee of local churches or religious groups, asking for money for a gas or a tow in order to transport parishioners.  Sunday, the Richfield police issued a similar warning to residents, saying Bell typically asks for $45 or $46. Bell is universally described as "friendly" and "well-dressed."

The Minneapolis police statement said Bell had allegedly scammed several houses in the Lyndale and Kingfield neighborhoods. In the past, the department claimed, Bell has said his car is in the impound lot and he needs the money to get it out. Allegedly, he often tells victims he will pay them back later that day, but does not return.

"He has also referenced names on church directories to make church-goers believe he is sent by other parishioners," the alert said. "He has reportedly returned to people who have given him money in the past and asked for more."

Police are asking anyone approached by a person with a similar story to politely refuse his request and call 911. The department offers these tips to Minneapolis residents looking to avoid being conned:

• Hard luck stories like this are almost always fraudulent.  Scam artists prey on the kindness of their victims!
• Scam artists engaging in this activity are often described by their victims as “well spoken” and “clean cut.”  Don’t be fooled by a “respectable” appearance, or a friendly, respectful demeanor. It’s all part of the con.
  Giving money to people begging door to door can get you tagged as an “easy mark.”  This often leads to a cycle of repeat visits and increased demands for money and assistance.
• Burglars will also ring door bells looking for unoccupied homes. If someone answers the door they will often come up with some kind of hard luck story in an attempt to extract money from the person answering the door.