A nickel-and-dime scam artist has been prolific enough in Colorado Springs to prompt a police warning.

Officers say the man is going door-to-door with hard-luck tales about being a few bucks short on paying a bill. The well-rehearsed lines are enough to tug a $20 away from the kind hearted who believe the guy is just a neighbor who needs a helping hand, police said.

But this scammer has got tools in his arsenal for the suspicious, too. The crook has been more than willing to cut a check to cover the money he's "borrowing" and has even given up credit card numbers to show his good faith.

The checks, while quite real, are as rubber as a children's toy. Police say the account is empty. Same goes for the card numbers.

Some advice from the cops: Residents are reminded to use caution when answering their doors and do not allow any person, they do not know, to enter their homes.

And if you want to help people who are down on their luck, you may want to drop that $20 on a local charity.