At least four Cape Girardeau businesses or residents have fallen victim to a scam artist offering yard-work materials for a low price, police say.

The victims reported being swindled out of $40 to $50 each by a man driving a blue, 1980s model Chevrolet S-10 pickup. The man drives up with a load of small trees or mulch in the truck bed and explains that he is going out of business and is willing to sell his yard-work products at below cost, said officer Jason Selzer.

The man then explains that what is in the truck are only "demo" items meant for display, but he promises the victim that for a small deposit he will return with the actual items to be purchased.

Police have a suspect, but no formal charges have been filed, Selzer said. The suspect is described as white, 47 years old, with brown hair and a brown mustache. He is 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs about 158 pounds.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Cape Girardeau Police Department at 335-6621.