North Yorkshire Police are warning people to be aware after a vulnerable elderly man lost £150 to a conman.
The victim is in his 80s and has Alzheimer’s disease.
He was walking in the street in Selby when he was approached by the suspect.
The suspect said he was looking for some friends in Selby, but they weren’t in at their address.
He said he had gifts that he wanted to give to his friends, but he can’t now. The suspect then asked the victim if he would take the gifts. The gifts appeared to be leather jackets.
He could keep them or give them to his family, the suspect told the victim.
The man was quite persistent, showing an Italian passport apparently to prove his identity.
North Yorkshire Police PCSO Nathan Stuart said: “The victim was made to feel bad for the suspect, and offered to pay for the jackets, to which the suspect stated he only wanted the VAT on the gifts which was £300.
“The victim has stated he didn’t have that kind of money, so the suspect dropped it to £100. The victim had to go to a cashpoint to withdraw the money.
“However, when he returned to the suspect, he was asked for another £100. The victim refused but offered £50 which the suspect accepted. The suspect then gave the victim a lift to the bus stop.
“We would like to hear from anyone else who may have been approached in this manner.”
Call North Yorkshire Police on 101 with information.
PCSO Stuart added: “If anyone is approached in this manner in the street, I would advise walking away from the suspect, then calling police.”