Two women accused of exploiting ‘vulnerable man’ in Guelph

Two women who allegedly took advantage of a vulnerable man in Guelph. (Source: Guelph Police)

The Guelph Police Service is trying to identify two women accused of scamming a vulnerable man who tried to help them on Oct. 27.

They said it happened at a shopping plaza near Edinburgh Road South and Stone Road West.

The 19-year-old man, who was described as having “intellectual challenges,” saw the two women holding a sign asking for money for groceries. The victim went with the women to Walmart and paid more than $200 for clothing.

“The women then asked for cash and took the man to a nearby bank, where he withdrew $1,000 and gave it to them,” police said in Wednesday’s media release. “They then went to another store where the man bought groceries and gift cards totaling more than $500.”

The man tried to withdraw even more money but he had already reached his daily limit. He called his mother, who realized it was a scam and confronted the women.

Police said most of the property was recovered.

The suspects were described as women in their 30s, with tanned skin and medium builds. One had red hair in a bun and wore a long black puffy coat, while the other had her dark hair in a bun and was wearing a pink and black jacket.

Anyone who recognizes the women is asked to contact Const. Matt Simpson at 519-824-1212 ext. 7318, or email [e-mail].