HOUSTON -- Investigators asked the public for help identifying and finding a man who they say has scammed at least five Hispanics by offering to help, KPRC Local 2 reported Monday.

Harris County sheriff's deputies and Houston police said that in at least three of the cases, the man offered to help the victims post bond for relatives and disappeared after receiving their money.

The man has also offered to help people get cheaper bus fares or take care of traffic tickets, investigators said.

Officials said all of the victims have been Hispanics who do not speak English well.

Rosa Romero became a target when she was trying to bail her 24-year-old son out of jail. She said a man approached her outside of the ABC Bail Bonds, saying it was closed but he could still help.

He told her the price to free her son would be $165. She gave him cash in exchange for a receipt that said "ABC Bonding" on it. The man then said the son would come home later. But the son never showed up.

When she showed her receipt to ABC Bonds, Romero was told it was no good and she had been ripped off. The man had disappeared.

The Romeros then had to borrow money from a friend to pay the actual bail.

Detectives said the man is Hispanic and in his 30s. He is 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighs 160 to 180 pounds and has black hair. Investigators said he normally wears a light-colored dress shirt, dark-colored dress pants and carries a briefcase or satchel.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sgt. Brasher with the Houston Police Department Major Offenders Unit at 713-308-3140, the Harris County Sheriff's Office at 713-221-6000 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.