Police Beat: ‘Good Samaritans’ scammed in separate incidents
WELLINGTON COUNTY – Local police are investigating two identical scams perpetrated on what they are calling “would-be good Samaritans.”
Wellington County OPP officials say that on Aug. 3, a 66-year-old resident of Centre Wellington handed over $80 trying to assist a motorist at a Fergus gas station.
“The yet-to-be-identified individual told the complainant a sob story of needing money to get a disabled vehicle home, with the promise of a quick repayment,” police stated in a press release.
“After a week of not being able to contact the suspect, the victim reported the situation to police.”
A similar incident was reported on Aug. 6, when a 77-year-old resident of Guelph/Eramosa was approached along Wellington Road 124, in Guelph/Eramosa and promised the same repayment on an $80 assistance request.
“Again, this individual was unable to contact the suspect,” police say.
Victims describe the suspect as a white man in his 50s, about 180cm (5’11”) tall, with greying hair, a moustache/goatee, medium build and possibly wearing glasses.
He was operating a black SUV.
Police are asking anyone who was approached in the same manner to call Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
To remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip through the website at www.csgw.tips.
Tip providers may be eligible for a reward from Crime Stoppers of up to $2,000.