A conman claiming to own a ranch in America and needing money to get back home has tricked about 30 people in the UK out of thousands of pounds, police said today.

The 59-year-old, who puts on an American accent but was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, has conned people nationwide out of money, including six from Dorset, since 2002.

The scam came to light after the Lazy-K-Ranch in Tucson, Arizona, an American riding centre, stables and holiday venue, contacted Dorset Police.

The ranch has built up an extensive file on the man, who uses various aliases, after a number of victims sent the company sympathy cards and asked for their money back.

The conman had told them he was the managing director of the Lazy-K-Ranch and that their money would be reimbursed if they wrote to the ranch.

Pc Dawn Savage, of Bournemouth Police, said the man has a condition which makes his hands shake and he appears vulnerable.

She added: ''The man preys on people's good nature and their caring character, claiming to be the managing director of the Lazy-K-Ranch in Tucson, Arizona, and telling them distress stories.

''Usually, he claims that he has run out of money and asks if people can loan him money so he can get home to his family.

''On other occasions, the man claims that a member of his family or a relative has died and that he needs money to get home or that he has lost his wallet, his passport or travel tickets. Apparently, the conman is very convincing.

''The amounts of money that this man asks for can be up to £100 and he claims that if those people lending him money contact the American ranch by e-mail or telephone, they will have the money reimbursed to them.''

Ms Savage estimated the ''tissue of lies'' had netted the man thousands of pounds.

The man, who has not been named, under the Data Protection Act 1998, was sentenced in April 2003 to two years in jail for obtaining property by deception.

He served one year in Doncaster Prison in South Yorkshire, and the licence recently concluded.

''We know he's now up to his old tricks again,'' said Ms Savage.

The conman is described as 5ft 11in, of proportionate build and with blue eyes, thinning grey hair, a grey moustache and glasses. He is right-handed and, because of a medical condition, shakes a lot.

He initially came to the attention of police in Bournemouth in June 2002 when he approached an employment agency in the town claiming to be the managing director of the Lazy-K-Ranch and offering employment opportunities in administrative positions.

Investigations by Dorset Police drew a blank but in March 2005 he approached an employment agency in Winchester, Hampshire, with the same claims, and there was another money con in Edinburgh, also in March this year.

Ms Savage added: ''Alarm bells started ringing when he wanted to meet female applicants. The roles were more female orientated with fantastic salaries and the chance to go to America.''

Anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 01202 222 222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.