An arrest warrant has been issued for the man known as the ‘Crayfish Man' who is alleged to have scammed people into purchasing seafood but never producing the goods.

David Lyndon Whitehead, 50, is wanted by police for allegedly using a bank card to gain pecuniary advantage.

David Lyndon Whitehead.

Detective Sergeant Nick Rolley says police also want to speak with him about a further seven offences where he is alleged to have offered members of the public seafood, receiving money upfront and never returning with the promised items.

Nick says such behaviour was in line with Whitehead's criminal history, which has seen him amass more than 340 convictions, mostly for fraud.

"His targets appear to be commercial premises where he takes orders from staff for whitebait and crayfish with a 'cash up front', next day delivery offer. He then takes the victims' money and then fails to deliver the goods.

'Whitehead was previously the subject of warnings last October following complaints from dozens of victims from around the country.”

Whitehead is known to be transient in nature and his last known address was in Hamilton.

Bay of Plenty police issued a warning this week to residents, describing the man as male Caucasian of solid build about 187cm tall.

He is a male Caucasian of solid build and about 187cm tall.

'Police always recommend people purchase goods from licensed, reputable vendors, not just in cases where the sale might be fraudulent but in terms of maintaining food hygiene and public health standards.”

People who have seen Whitehead or have information on his whereabouts are asked to contact Hamilton Police on 07 858 6200.

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.