Police are searching for two men who allegedly tricked a vulnerable passer-by into giving them his rent and pension by pretending to tell his fortune.
The victim was in Little Bourke Street, near the corner of Russell Street in Melbourne's CBD, on April 23 when he was approached by a man telling him he had a "good aura" and offering to tell his fortune.
Detective Senior Constable Jerome Bain-King said the alleged fraudster performed "some sort of magic trick" for the 33-year-old victim, who had a cognitive impairment, then convinced him to withdraw money from a nearby ATM.
A second man then approached the victim and performed a similar trick, also allegedly convincing him to withdraw money. The victim handed more than $1,700 over to the men.
"It's put a huge financial strain on the victim. This incident lasted approximately half an hour, it was pretty traumatic for the victim," Senior Constable Bain-King said.
Police believe similar cons may have been perpetrated before, given how well-practised the scam seemed and the fact that the two alleged offenders seemingly tried to avoid being caught on camera.
"It's absolutely disgusting behaviour, and that's my concern, that there will have been other people who are targeted," Senior Constable Bain-King said.
"We want to knock this on the head as soon as possible."
Police said one of the men being sought in relation to the incident appeared to be aged between 30 and 40 years old, and the other between 50 and 60.
Anyone with information or anyone who can assist with identifying the two men involved is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or log onto www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
