Police: Larry Thomas Impersonated a Cop, Might Have Tried to Steal 81-Year-Old's Money

A word of advice: if a stranger approaches you, flashes a "badge," starts a conversation about counterfeit money -- and tries to go back to your house with you -- you should probably be a little suspicious. He probably is not a police officer, and he probably is not very nice, either.

Alas, cops say that this guy -- a suspected scumbag by the name of Larry Thomas -- struck up a convo with an elderly man about phony dough and went back to his house. When he was in the home, he showed the victim several pictures of a fake fugitive.

Then, the supposed perp asked the victim and his daughter if they had any money in the house because "it might be counterfeit."

When the daughter asked for the bogus badge's ID, he ran out and fled in a white, 4-door Ford vehicle with New Jersey license plates.

The would-be con went down around 10:45 a.m. on July 5 -- but the police are just making public their search for Thomas now.

He's described as a 5-foot-7, 165-pound black male with black hair and brown eyes.

Look familiar? Then call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). You can also submit tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting tips to 274637 and then entering TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.

Follow Victoria Bekiempis @vicbekiempis.