Detectives from the Geelong Crime Investigation Unit have charged a man who they say defrauded a 92-year-old East Geelong woman of more than $15,000.
Police allege that on April 30th, 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, Victoria Police said in a statement.
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.
Yesterday, officers executed a search warrant at the man’s 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.
“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,” said Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Guthrie.
“We encourage anyone who has been subject to any type of scam to speak to police.”
The man was bailed to appear at Werribee Magistrates’ Court on November 14th.
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.