The 33-year-old alleged sufferer was on Little Bourke Street about 5.45pm on April 23 when he was approached by a person who informed him he had “good fortune”.
The man then carried out a magic trick and allegedly demanded fee for the efficiency.
The sufferer handed the person the small amount of money he had on him.
He then withdrew cash from a close-by financial institution, “following demands from the offender”, in keeping with a police spokesperson.
“The victim was pressured to withdraw more money after a second man approached and performed the same magic trick.
“After a number of withdrawals from an ATM, and discussions between the trio for about half-hour, the sufferer was fleeced of simply over $1700.”
The 33-year-old victim, who lives on a pension, has told police he is shaken, and is no longer confident venturing out alone.
“It’s actually rattled his confidence and (has given) him numerous self-doubt. He lives by himself, it was fairly a demanding expertise for him,” Senior Constable Jerome Bain-King said.
Police are calling for help to find the two offenders.
“They have focused an individual that’s susceptible, that has a cognitive impairment,” Bain-King said.
“I feel they can decide that.”
The first man is perceived to be of sub-continental appearance, about 50-60 years old, with a medium build and about 182cm tall.
He is described as having black short straight hair and was clean-shaven apart from a moustache.
He was wearing smart casual black pants and a sports jacket.
The second man is perceived to be of sub-continental appearance, about 30-40 years old with a medium build and similar in height.
He had black straight hair tied into a ponytail with a black moustache and beard.
He was also wearing smart casual clothing including a black vest, white shirt and black slacks.
Police believe this isn’t an isolated incident.
Anyone with information or anyone who can assist with identifying the two men involved is urged to call police.
Source: www.9news.com.au
