Man with intellectual challenges taken advantage of by scammers in Guelph

Guelph Police are looking to identify two women involved in a scam against a 19-year-old on Monday afternoon.

Officers were called to a plaza near Edinburgh Road South and Stone Road West. The man involved, who police said has intellectual challenges, was leaving Walmart when he saw two women holding a sign asking for help with money and groceries. The three of them then re-entered the store together, where the women picked out $200 worth of clothes. The man then paid for their items but the two women continued and asked the man for additional cash, before taking him to a nearby bank to withdraw the money. The man took out $1,000 and gave it to the pair. They then took the man to another store where he proceeded to buy groceries and gift cards for them, totaling around $500.

The two women then continued to ask the man for money but when he tried to take out more cash, he was unable to due to his withdrawal limit. When the man called his mom for help, she told him it was a scam.

The mom came to where her son was and found the women nearby. She was able to confront them and get most of the items and cash back.

Both women were described as around 30-years-old, with tanned skin and a medium build. One was last seen with red hair in a bun, wearing a long black puffy coat. The other woman had dark hair in a bun and was wearing a pink and black jacket.

Police have asked anyone with information to call Const. Matt Simpson at 519-824-1212, ext. 7318 or email [e-mail].