NORTH BETHESDA, Md. – The crooks use confusion and intimidation to force a rash decision from their victims.

Con artists are targeting senior citizens in North Bethesda, according to Montgomery County police.

Police have issued an alert, and offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to those responsible.

A 77-year-old man was approached by two suspects this week in the Montrose Crossing Shopping Center in North Bethesda. They convinced him to withdraw cash and hand them $10,000 of his own money.

“It really hurts,” the victim told NBC4. “It just makes you feel like you don’t want to trust anybody. I can’t believe I was that gullible.”

Just last month a 68-year-old woman was conned out of $1,700 by two men.

Police say the men told the unsuspecting woman they’d invest her money, and she’d get a return of $400,000.

Authorities urge everyone to avoid strangers who approach them with financial offers.

Anyone who thinks he may have been a victim of a similar crime is asked to call police at 240-773-6330.

Those with information about this crime are urged to call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip anonymously to the Crime Solvers website.

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