A would-be bank robber was frustratingly foiled — but not by the law or a protective security guard.

It was a matter of, as the real estate pros will tell you, “Location, location, location.”

A Kentucky man who thought he was in a bank showed a gun and demanded that the clerk at the counter give him money. When the clerk shrugged as said they didn’t have any, the robber was insistent.

“I know you have money. It’s  a bank.”

Well, turns out that it used to be a bank. But what was once a branch of Farmers Bank in Louisville had become a regional Water District office. The office accepts water bill payments, but has no cash for banking.

Once the robber finally believed it wasn’t a bank, he tucked tail between his legs and took off.

He wasn’t the first one who thought the building was still a bank, said a spokesperson.

Apparently, people have come in and (unsuccessfully) tried to cash checks.

Maybe they need a bigger sign.