"Police urge anyone approached in this manner to check licensing credentials... not let strangers inside their home... and contact police if they believe they have been a victim."
New South Wales and Queensland Police Charge Multiple Suspects in Fraud Rings Targeting the Elderly
Law enforcement in two Australian states have announced charges in several separate, large-scale fraud investigations. The alleged crimes specifically preyed on elderly Australians through home repair scams, car park thefts, and sophisticated card-skimming operations.
Alleged Roofing Scam in Sydney
Incident Details
On March 3, a 73-year-old woman in Sydenham was approached at her home by a man claiming to be a roofer. He stated the apartment complex required urgent repairs and was allowed inside her residence. Police believe he accessed her personal financial details during the visit.
The following day, the man returned, drove the woman to her local bank, and pressured her to write a cheque for tens of thousands of dollars as an advance payment. The woman later cancelled the cheque and reported the incident.
Suspect Description
Police have released CCTV footage and are seeking a man described as:
- Caucasian appearance
- Approximately 180cm tall
- Aged in his 40s or 50s
- Has a distinctive accent, possibly Irish
- Last seen wearing a black t-shirt, a black hat, and blue jeans
- Believed to drive a white van and may be accompanied by a second man, also of Caucasian appearance
Police Advice
Detective Inspector Benjamin Kennis advised that anyone approached in this manner should:
- Check licensing credentials with authorities such as NSW Fair Trading.
- Not let strangers inside their home if unsure.
- Not accompany strangers to financial institutions.
- Involve trusted family members.
- Contact police if they believe they have been a victim.
Alleged Car Park Theft Scams in NSW
Scope of Incidents
Police have documented 18 similar incidents across New South Wales, spanning from Wagga Wagga in the south to Forster on the Mid North Coast. A concentration of seven incidents was recorded in the Riverina region over a single weekend.
Locations where incidents are alleged to have occurred include: Albion Park, Ashfield, Beecroft, Berowra Heights, Double Bay, Forster, Goulburn, Newcastle, Pennant Hills, Penrith, Shellharbour, The Ponds, Tumut, Unanderra, and Wagga Wagga.
Modus Operandi
Police allege the scheme involved two men approaching older women in shopping centre car parks. They would claim a mechanical issue existed with the victim's vehicle. One man would encourage the individual to inspect under the bonnet, while a second accomplice would allegedly steal items such as wallets and cards from inside the vehicle.
Victim Account
Alleged victim Libby Taylor, 64, reported being approached at a Lake Macquarie shopping centre. A man informed her of wires hanging from her car, identified himself as a mechanic, and opened the bonnet. While Ms. Taylor was distracted, another individual took her wallet from the back seat. Approximately 40 minutes later, Ms. Taylor received notification of four transactions totaling over $14,000 made in Dubai.
Arrests and Charges
Two men, aged 37 and 57, were arrested on the state's Mid North Coast. During a search of their vehicle, police seized items including vehicle wires, international passports, $6,000 in cash, and receipts for money transfers.
Police believe these men arrived in Australia on December 28, allegedly having provided false information on their passenger cards and visa applications. Both men were charged with a total of 72 offenses each, including dealing with the proceeds of crime and making a false statement to an officer regarding migration. They were refused bail.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are seeking public assistance to locate two additional men for questioning. Both are described as Caucasian males in their 40s. Police believe these individuals may now be overseas.
Alleged Card-Skimming Operation in Queensland
Incident Overview
Two Romanian nationals, aged 36 and 39, were arrested following a police raid on a home in Boronia Heights, Logan. The men are alleged to have installed card-skimming devices at businesses and ATMs in 48 Brisbane suburbs between February and May.
Details of the Operation
Police seized $20,000 in cash, card-skimming devices, identification information, and template bank cards. Affected areas include: Albany Creek, Arana Hills, Ashgrove, Aspley, Banyo, Beachmere, Boronia Heights, Brendale, Brighton, Bulimba, Caboolture, Chermside, Clayfield, Clontarf, Coorparoo, Dutton Park, Ferny Grove, Fortitude Valley, Gatton, Geebung, Grange, Hamilton, Highgate Hill, Indooroopilly, Kedron, Kenmore, Milton, Morningside, Mount Gravatt, Murrumba Downs, New Farm, Newstead, Northgate, Nundah, Sandgate, Stafford, Stones Corner, Strathpine, Taigum, Taringa, The Gap, Toowong, Upper Caboolture, Virginia, Wynnum, and Zillmere.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Each man has been charged with 195 offences, including obtaining or dealing with identification information, fraud, and possessing equipment for the purpose of committing an offence. They were refused police bail and were due to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court.
Police Statements
Detective Senior Sergeant Brendan Blyth stated the men were allegedly operating a "calculated scam" impacting many people. Detective Inspector Daniel Cunningham noted the suspects are not connected to three other Romanian nationals arrested in March for a separate card-theft scheme.
Advisory for Consumers
Cunningham urged consumers to be vigilant when using ATMs, checking for anomalies and protecting their PIN numbers.
Public Appeals
Police are urging anyone with information regarding any of these incidents to contact Crime Stoppers online or on 1800 333 000.
Victims of scams can also report incidents through ReportCyber, ScamWatch, and IDCare.