BUFORD — Two women purporting themselves as illegal immigrants bilked a Wal-Mart shopper of $3,000 in a lottery ticket scam Friday, police said.

The alleged ruse happened about 3 p.m. at a store on Buford Drive in Buford.

The suspects, described as older Hispanic women, approached the shopper in the store, asking for assistance in cashing a lottery ticket worth $500,000.

“The suspects claimed that they were unable to cash the lottery ticket themselves, as they were not legal citizens,” said Gwinnett police spokesman Officer Brian Kelly.

The women claimed they’d need $3,000 in earnest money to ensure the shopper wouldn’t bolt with all the winnings.

So the victim drove the women to a nearby bank and withdrew $3,000, which they took while still in the car, Kelly said.

Moments later, one of the suspects “feigned illness and convinced the victim to take them to a nearby pharmacy,” Kelly said.

The victim went inside the pharmacy, and the alleged shysters fled.

The suspects were last seen leaving the pharmacy parking lot in an unknown white vehicle.

Police describe them both as Hispanic women between 50 and 60 years old. One woman stands about 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighs 160 pounds, while the other is shorter at 5 feet, 2 inches and weighs about 140, Kelly said.

The investigation is ongoing.

Police urge anyone with information to call Gwinnett police, 770-513-5300, or Crime Stoppers, 404-577-TIPS.