The 39-year-old allegedly convinced businesses throughout far north and southeast Queensland to provide him with money under false pretences.

Police allege the man attended several businesses in the greater Cairns Region between August 1 and August 3 where the offences occurred.

CCTV footage and images of the man at the affected premises were used as part of the investigation.

On Monday, a Babinda local contacted police to their venue following calls for public assistance by authorities in identifying the man.

He was arrested, taken into custody and charged with 21 offences including 16 counts of fraud, four counts of stealing and one count of attempted fraud.

These charges relate and extend to offences committed from 2014 between Cairns and Gold Coast.

The man was refused bail, remains in police custody and will appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Cairns police believe there are more victims in the community that are yet to contact them and urge anyone who may have become victim of a stealing or fraud related offence to contact police immediately.