Scams may be commonplace nowadays but it’s especially upsetting to hear of vulnerable Aussies being targeted.

Sadly, that's what happened to one cognitively impaired man in Melbourne recently. The 33-year-old was swindled out of more than $1700 in an elaborate magic trick scam in the city's CBD. According to reports from police, the two men approached the victim on Little Bourke Street and told him that he had good fortune. They then proceeded to perform a 'fortune-telling trick' and demanded payment for it.

In an elaborate magic trick scam, the 33-year-old fell victim and lost over $1700 due to deception. Photo by RDNE Stock project

Even though the victim had already handed over all the cash that he had on him at the start of the so-called performance, one of the men then ordered him to go to the local bank and withdraw all the cash from his account.

After much discussion between the three, the victim gave out his entire pension – more than $1700 – to the scammers. Unsurprisingly, Senior Constable Jerome Bain-King – involved in the investigation – was appalled by the occurrence and expressed his concern that there may be more victims of the same crime.

'It's put a huge financial strain on the victim,' he said. 'It's absolutely disgusting behaviour, and that’s my concern, is that there will have been other people who have been targeted.'

The first man is alleged to be in his fifties, while the second man is said to be in his thirties. Police investigations are now underway, and they may likely face charges for 'obtaining property by deception'.

They have also requested information from the public to help catch the offenders.

Here Are Some Practical Tips To Protect Yourself From Scams:​

• Research: Always research the person or business you're dealing with and consider contacting them through official channels if needed.
• Be wary of offers: Be suspicious of messages offering free gifts, prizes, or money. Never provide personal or bank information, and verify the source of messages before clicking on links or downloading attachments.
• Avoid pressure tactics: Beware of any pressure to make quick decisions, as this can be a sign of fraudulent activity.
• Unusual payment methods: Legitimate companies and banks won't ask for payments in the form of gift cards, cryptocurrency, or other unusual payment methods. Similarly, no financial institution will demand password information or urgent transactions.

Key Takeaways

• A cognitively impaired man was scammed of over $1700 in a magic trick scam in Melbourne's CBD.
• The victim was approached by two men who performed a fortune-telling trick and demanded payment for the performances.
• The incident has left the victim with a huge financial strain, leaving him unable to pay his rent and other expenses.
• Police are appealing for information from the public to catch the offenders and suspect there could be other victims.

To ensure your financial security, it's crucial to be vigilant and avoid falling victim to scams. Take the time to research individuals or businesses you're dealing with to stay informed and protected.

Have you ever encountered a scam or been a target of fraudulent activities? What steps do you take to protect yourself from scams? Feel free to share your experiences and tips for safeguarding against scams. Your insights can help others stay informed and protected.

 

[Ricci]

Says a lot about their manhood and social standing when they pick on the most vulnerable among us. How low can they stoop? pretty damn low if you ask me, down among the trash and detritus that live at the bottom of the pool.

 

[chinkapook]

Sorry for that poor man. They are real scumbags.You have to be so careful these days. I have never been scammed.I would tell them I had nothing.

 

[Big M]

Says a lot about their manhood and social standing when they pick on the most vulnerable among us. How low can they stoop? pretty damn low if you ask me, down among the trash and detritus that live at the bottom of the pool.

Don’t understand why the man did not tell the bank what he had been told to do or why he gave them the money! Sounds very odd!

 

[rehandra]

Scams may be commonplace nowadays but it’s especially upsetting to hear of vulnerable Aussies being targeted.

Sadly, that's what happened to one cognitively impaired man in Melbourne recently. The 33-year-old was swindled out of more than $1700 in an elaborate magic trick scam in the city's CBD. According to reports from police, the two men approached the victim on Little Bourke Street and told him that he had good fortune. They then proceeded to perform a 'fortune-telling trick' and demanded payment for it.

View attachment 21347

In an elaborate magic trick scam, the 33-year-old fell victim and lost over $1700 due to deception. Photo by RDNE Stock project

Even though the victim had already handed over all the cash that he had on him at the start of the so-called performance, one of the men then ordered him to go to the local bank and withdraw all the cash from his account.

After much discussion between the three, the victim gave out his entire pension – more than $1700 – to the scammers. Unsurprisingly, Senior Constable Jerome Bain-King – involved in the investigation – was appalled by the occurrence and expressed his concern that there may be more victims of the same crime.

'It's put a huge financial strain on the victim,' he said. 'It's absolutely disgusting behaviour, and that’s my concern, is that there will have been other people who have been targeted.'

The first man is alleged to be in his fifties, while the second man is said to be in his thirties. Police investigations are now underway, and they may likely face charges for 'obtaining property by deception'.

They have also requested information from the public to help catch the offenders.

Here Are Some Practical Tips To Protect Yourself From Scams:​

• Research: Always research the person or business you're dealing with and consider contacting them through official channels if needed.
• Be wary of offers: Be suspicious of messages offering free gifts, prizes, or money. Never provide personal or bank information, and verify the source of messages before clicking on links or downloading attachments.
• Avoid pressure tactics: Beware of any pressure to make quick decisions, as this can be a sign of fraudulent activity.
• Unusual payment methods: Legitimate companies and banks won't ask for payments in the form of gift cards, cryptocurrency, or other unusual payment methods. Similarly, no financial institution will demand password information or urgent transactions.

Key Takeaways

• A cognitively impaired man was scammed of over $1700 in a magic trick scam in Melbourne's CBD.
• The victim was approached by two men who performed a fortune-telling trick and demanded payment for the performances.
• The incident has left the victim with a huge financial strain, leaving him unable to pay his rent and other expenses.
• Police are appealing for information from the public to catch the offenders and suspect there could be other victims.

To ensure your financial security, it's crucial to be vigilant and avoid falling victim to scams. Take the time to research individuals or businesses you're dealing with to stay informed and protected.

Have you ever encountered a scam or been a target of fraudulent activities? What steps do you take to protect yourself from scams? Feel free to share your experiences and tips for safeguarding against scams. Your insights can help others stay informed and protected.

As the article says the man was "cognitively impaired". The majority of people would walk right past; hopefully!

 

[Pink lion]

I sincerely hope that nobody observed this and did nothing to save him from being bullied and disrespected like this.
When I hear of people picking on the frail and injured, it takes me back and I tend to feel angry, because I have been there.

There was a time when due to an undiagnosed heart area injury and no financial or social support at all. I grimaced and shuffled along with gritted teeth on Sydney streets.

I had trouble talking and clutched my chest tight and was like a magnet it seems, that attracted these low life's often. It most certainly appeared that I was totally unable to defend myself, having lost most of my strength at that time.

Turns out, the reflex spasm is heightened in times of great stress and my being a very Martially competent person, who has been very well trained in situation assessment since 1970, I was utterly unkind to every one of them. No sympathy at all.

Their needs to be another, level of justice placed on Jackals, That prey upon people. I hope they get them.

 

[Gsr]

I sincerely hope that nobody observed this and did nothing to save him from being bullied and disrespected like this.
When I hear of people picking on the frail and injured, it takes me back and I tend to feel angry, because I have been there.

There was a time when due to an undiagnosed heart area injury and no financial or social support at all. I grimaced and shuffled along with gritted teeth on Sydney streets.

I had trouble talking and clutched my chest tight and was like a magnet it seems, that attracted these low life's often. It most certainly appeared that I was totally unable to defend myself, having lost most of my strength at that time.

Turns out, the reflex spasm is heightened in times of great stress and my being a very Martially competent person, who has been very well trained in situation assessment since 1970, I was utterly unkind to every one of them. No sympathy at all.

Their needs to be another, level of justice placed on Jackals, That prey upon people. I hope they get them.

I agree, I wonder how many people walked past, realised this man could do with some help, but kept walking anyway as they did not want to get involved. One day when I was at the shopping centre I noticed an old couple being harassed by three youths, they were trying to take the lady’s wheelie walker and handbag off her and the man was being pushed about for trying to stop them. I had no hesitation in getting involved and telling these yahoos off, how dare they harass old people, they need to show some respect, how would they like it if someone did that to their grandparents, they cussed and swore at me but I didn’t back away, I let them have it. Another male customer saw what was going on and came to help as well. Someone else noticed and called the centre security, as soon as the yahoos saw security approaching they ran off. Big, brave yahoos. Turns out they were well known at the centre for stealing, targeting customers who they thought would be easy to steal from, and they had been banned from the centre already, but trying to stop them from being there was a near impossible task. This happened several years ago and now 2 of these yahoos are in prison as they escalated to more serious crimes. When my now son in law was working security at this centre and had two yahoos banned for stealing and riding skateboards, scooters or their bikes amongst the customers they coined all along the side of my car which he was using at the time. They were seen doing it so one day when they happened to walk down our street my husband bailed them up and had a few words to them about what would happen to them if any more damage was done to my car, regardless of whether they did it or not. They were pretty quiet and scared when he had finished with them, we never saw them come down our street anymore and they were rarely ever seen near or at the shopping centre for a long time after that little chat. They have now grown into very respectful polite young men, hubby likes to think his little chat with them helped them see the error of their ways.

 

[gordon1940]

Says a lot about their manhood and social standing when they pick on the most vulnerable among us. How low can they stoop? pretty damn low if you ask me, down among the trash and detritus that live at the bottom of the pool. Yes. Deserving of a good knuckle sandwich, or two!!

 

[Pink lion]

Its no-good engaging front on with aggressive natured people, when we are older or frail and injured as we are disadvantaged twice. First, by our lack of force now and secondly, if we engage in a fight and beat them, then we are equally culpable in the eyes of the law and can be arrested and charged. However, should you burn your fingers or react in surprise, you will notice the speed of our reflex spasm is still with us, well into VERY old age.

I was an industry professional for many years, and I discovered, due to an incapacitating injury for a time, how to adapt, coordinate, usher, school, guide and apparently in all innocence, direct aggressive people, into, onto, off along through, in between and down into all manner of soft and squishy, or very hard and nasty things.

I learnt how to do this by simply by adapting the way my limbs move in normal conversation, to whatever happens that comes at me (like one finds, when walking at speed off track through the bush or a forest) so even a cctv camera would prove all I ever do, is move, to safely get away.

I have always been a life loving Aussie Larrikin, and anyone that has seriously tried to injure me I have agreed that they discover the error of their ways.

I am currently writing a few how too books, so that others may understand how to read a situation and peacefully (for them) act in their best interests.

 

[Nana Zorak]

I agree, I wonder how many people walked past, realised this man could do with some help, but kept walking anyway as they did not want to get involved. One day when I was at the shopping centre I noticed an old couple being harassed by three youths, they were trying to take the lady’s wheelie walker and handbag off her and the man was being pushed about for trying to stop them. I had no hesitation in getting involved and telling these yahoos off, how dare they harass old people, they need to show some respect, how would they like it if someone did that to their grandparents, they cussed and swore at me but I didn’t back away, I let them have it. Another male customer saw what was going on and came to help as well. Someone else noticed and called the centre security, as soon as the yahoos saw security approaching they ran off. Big, brave yahoos. Turns out they were well known at the centre for stealing, targeting customers who they thought would be easy to steal from, and they had been banned from the centre already, but trying to stop them from being there was a near impossible task. This happened several years ago and now 2 of these yahoos are in prison as they escalated to more serious crimes. When my now son in law was working security at this centre and had two yahoos banned for stealing and riding skateboards, scooters or their bikes amongst the customers they coined all along the side of my car which he was using at the time. They were seen doing it so one day when they happened to walk down our street my husband bailed them up and had a few words to them about what would happen to them if any more damage was done to my car, regardless of whether they did it or not. They were pretty quiet and scared when he had finished with them, we never saw them come down our street anymore and they were rarely ever seen near or at the shopping centre for a long time after that little chat. They have now grown into very respectful polite young men, hubby likes to think his little chat with them helped them see the error of their ways.

I am always appalled by the standover tactics these cowards use to get the upper hand. I have had to deal with that in the past from one of my ex-husbands. It made me very weary of any male trying to take advantage of me. Women are usually more subtle in their approach, not always but usually!

 

[Luckyus]

Scams may be commonplace nowadays but it’s especially upsetting to hear of vulnerable Aussies being targeted.

Sadly, that's what happened to one cognitively impaired man in Melbourne recently. The 33-year-old was swindled out of more than $1700 in an elaborate magic trick scam in the city's CBD. According to reports from police, the two men approached the victim on Little Bourke Street and told him that he had good fortune. They then proceeded to perform a 'fortune-telling trick' and demanded payment for it.

View attachment 21347

In an elaborate magic trick scam, the 33-year-old fell victim and lost over $1700 due to deception. Photo by RDNE Stock project

Even though the victim had already handed over all the cash that he had on him at the start of the so-called performance, one of the men then ordered him to go to the local bank and withdraw all the cash from his account.

After much discussion between the three, the victim gave out his entire pension – more than $1700 – to the scammers. Unsurprisingly, Senior Constable Jerome Bain-King – involved in the investigation – was appalled by the occurrence and expressed his concern that there may be more victims of the same crime.

'It's put a huge financial strain on the victim,' he said. 'It's absolutely disgusting behaviour, and that’s my concern, is that there will have been other people who have been targeted.'

The first man is alleged to be in his fifties, while the second man is said to be in his thirties. Police investigations are now underway, and they may likely face charges for 'obtaining property by deception'.

They have also requested information from the public to help catch the offenders.

Here Are Some Practical Tips To Protect Yourself From Scams:​

• Research: Always research the person or business you're dealing with and consider contacting them through official channels if needed.
• Be wary of offers: Be suspicious of messages offering free gifts, prizes, or money. Never provide personal or bank information, and verify the source of messages before clicking on links or downloading attachments.
• Avoid pressure tactics: Beware of any pressure to make quick decisions, as this can be a sign of fraudulent activity.
• Unusual payment methods: Legitimate companies and banks won't ask for payments in the form of gift cards, cryptocurrency, or other unusual payment methods. Similarly, no financial institution will demand password information or urgent transactions.

Key Takeaways

• A cognitively impaired man was scammed of over $1700 in a magic trick scam in Melbourne's CBD.
• The victim was approached by two men who performed a fortune-telling trick and demanded payment for the performances.
• The incident has left the victim with a huge financial strain, leaving him unable to pay his rent and other expenses.
• Police are appealing for information from the public to catch the offenders and suspect there could be other victims.

To ensure your financial security, it's crucial to be vigilant and avoid falling victim to scams. Take the time to research individuals or businesses you're dealing with to stay informed and protected.

Have you ever encountered a scam or been a target of fraudulent activities? What steps do you take to protect yourself from scams? Feel free to share your experiences and tips for safeguarding against scams. Your insights can help others stay informed and protected.

Bring back the BIRCH

 

[Pink lion]

I am always appalled by the standover tactics these cowards use to get the upper hand. I have had to deal with that in the past from one of my ex-husbands. It made me very weary of any male trying to take advantage of me. Women are usually more subtle in their approach, not always but usually!

I am sorry that you have had this happen Nana Zorak, so many people that stand up to bullying have this in their lives.

Not many softer natured personalities, understand that fear, shock, surprise and humbling into submission are actually EXTREMELY effective, in empowering a person. by allowing the other person to cast themselves off center into all manner of things on the way to the ground. It can actually be funny to watch and people around can tend to laugh should they see it.

People tend to get into conflict, when they engage in it, this is being programmed in people constantly as being a great idea.

Whereas not many at all would want to shove or push or punch etc into another person at all if they moved their position. It's quite impossible to shove hard into anything that is not there or disengaged hey Nana Zorak.

Just like the only way to keep any argument ongoing, is to argue back, as it's about two opinions conflicting or colliding.

When it comes to someone aggressively shoving their weight-natured opinion around, the only way to feel safe when confronted by the weight of something, is to move out of our position and allow anyone being aggressive, to continue off balance into something.

The cows may continuously say mooove, mooove, just so the farmers will always understand to not stand in front of them when their moving! Yep, it's my Pink lion's (sic) humour.

Don't pay attention when it's too scary, distract your attention away move and instantly focus upon something else, like "Oh what a lovely wall' 'look out this window', 'look into this opened wardrobe or cupboard' etc. Whats down there etc, Our own found in the moment distractions, describe it all.

All it takes is the very lightest of touches, Nana Zorak,for both the ballerina on upon a stage or the busy woman in a kitchen to turn away in the movement from another person.

Many a child including myself has crashed into the kitchen cupboard while pestering our busy mother, and grabbing her clothes to get her attention, when she's really busy.

And so, to act as if suddenly distracted away from someone who is being pushy, or to bend to pick up anything actual or imagined that is on the floor behind you etc, is more than enough for anyone aggressively moving towards us, to discover for themselves "quite by accident" that they shouldn't do this. This is 'a light-natured larrikinism or a behavioral attitude understood by many in cultures all around the world.

Situation assessment and light natured contextual orientation practice may be martial arts terms, but in terms of everyday awareness and personal safety in the home on the street or with any that you meet but it's just an all-natural trait.

I can comment as I have looked at the issue, as an analyst for over five decades and it remains a passionate interest of mine because it empowers a person, once you see yourself in an advantageous understanding. I guess I comment because it becomes a bit of a passion to want to share what many other likeminded others don't quite seem to understand about their capacity.

If only more light -natured soft gentle and accepting people knew that we are extremely well protected, just by being compliant and accepting and not defiant and rejecting, as television and movies continue to promote.
Though it is getting better.

 

[Catherines]

Bring back the BIRCH

That’s a similar saying to what my husband says - Bring back the lash!

 

[Gertrude Davis]

Scams may be commonplace nowadays but it’s especially upsetting to hear of vulnerable Aussies being targeted.

Sadly, that's what happened to one cognitively impaired man in Melbourne recently. The 33-year-old was swindled out of more than $1700 in an elaborate magic trick scam in the city's CBD. According to reports from police, the two men approached the victim on Little Bourke Street and told him that he had good fortune. They then proceeded to perform a 'fortune-telling trick' and demanded payment for it.

View attachment 21347

In an elaborate magic trick scam, the 33-year-old fell victim and lost over $1700 due to deception. Photo by RDNE Stock project

Even though the victim had already handed over all the cash that he had on him at the start of the so-called performance, one of the men then ordered him to go to the local bank and withdraw all the cash from his account.

After much discussion between the three, the victim gave out his entire pension – more than $1700 – to the scammers. Unsurprisingly, Senior Constable Jerome Bain-King – involved in the investigation – was appalled by the occurrence and expressed his concern that there may be more victims of the same crime.

'It's put a huge financial strain on the victim,' he said. 'It's absolutely disgusting behaviour, and that’s my concern, is that there will have been other people who have been targeted.'

The first man is alleged to be in his fifties, while the second man is said to be in his thirties. Police investigations are now underway, and they may likely face charges for 'obtaining property by deception'.

They have also requested information from the public to help catch the offenders.

Here Are Some Practical Tips To Protect Yourself From Scams:​

• Research: Always research the person or business you're dealing with and consider contacting them through official channels if needed.
• Be wary of offers: Be suspicious of messages offering free gifts, prizes, or money. Never provide personal or bank information, and verify the source of messages before clicking on links or downloading attachments.
• Avoid pressure tactics: Beware of any pressure to make quick decisions, as this can be a sign of fraudulent activity.
• Unusual payment methods: Legitimate companies and banks won't ask for payments in the form of gift cards, cryptocurrency, or other unusual payment methods. Similarly, no financial institution will demand password information or urgent transactions.

Key Takeaways

• A cognitively impaired man was scammed of over $1700 in a magic trick scam in Melbourne's CBD.
• The victim was approached by two men who performed a fortune-telling trick and demanded payment for the performances.
• The incident has left the victim with a huge financial strain, leaving him unable to pay his rent and other expenses.
• Police are appealing for information from the public to catch the offenders and suspect there could be other victims.

To ensure your financial security, it's crucial to be vigilant and avoid falling victim to scams. Take the time to research individuals or businesses you're dealing with to stay informed and protected.

Have you ever encountered a scam or been a target of fraudulent activities? What steps do you take to protect yourself from scams? Feel free to share your experiences and tips for safeguarding against scams. Your insights can help others stay informed and protected.

It's sad that communication between families to the vulnerable members of their families to warn against scammers and fraudsters doesn't exist/or is limited. Poor fellow, I hope he's able to recoup some of his money soon. But, karma is real, and I'm sure those two criminals will get what they deserve! We do have to be cautious about such awful people.