Elderly people in the Bay of Plenty are being warned of suspected fraudsters pretending to be their friends before attempting to rip them off.

Waikato Police have been receiving complaints of a man in his 20s building relationships with elderly people in an attempt to obtain cash.

A man in his 20s is suspected of trying to rip off elderly people.

While there have been no reports of any incidents in the Bay, residents are being warned to be on the lookout in case the suspected fraudster makes their way to the region.

Senior Sergeant Wayne Petherick says Christmas is a particularly busy time of the year for this type of offending.

'Often people will be approached by someone who claims their car has broken down and could they borrow some money to get home for Christmas,” he says.

Wayne warns people not to put themselves at risk and be wary of strangers.

He says offenders come up with a variety of excuses to gain access to someone's home.

If people do suspect someone is trying to rip them off, then they are urged to contact police immediately.

Information can also be left anonymously via the Crimestoppers line on: 0800 555 111.