Detectives from the Geelong Crime Investigation Unit have charged a man who allegedly defrauded a 92-year-old East Geelong woman of more than $15,000.
Police allege that on Tuesday 30 April, the 27-year-old man rang the woman and purported to be an employee at an Australian bank, before requesting her PIN and bank card in an envelope with her name on it. He then allegedly attended her address and collected the bank card from her letterbox.
It is further alleged that the man has used the card at a Corio shopping centre and multiple finance institutions across Melbourne, transferring more than $15,000 to offshore accounts.
On Thursday 13 June, police executed a search warrant at his Truganina address, where they located and seized more than $17,000 of stolen goods including:
• 10 various bank cards belonging to other potential victims;
• $3,750 cash;
• Five smart phones and six smart phone vouchers valued at $13,000.
Police arrested the man and later charged him with up to 15 dishonesty related charges including obtain property by deception and deal with proceeds of crime.
He was bailed to appear at Werribee Magistrates’ Court on 14 November 2024.
Investigators are now making further enquiries to identify any further victims in relation to the investigation.
If you have been the victim of fraud, speak to police if you have concerns about a matter.
Anyone with information on fraudulent activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Guthrie – Geelong Crime Investigation Unit:
“Preying on the most vulnerable among us is a particularly heartless crime, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to pursuing anyone involved in financial fraud.
“We encourage anyone who has been subject to any type of scam to speak to police.”
