A man has been charged for allegedly defrauding a 92-year-old East Geelong woman of more than $15,000.
The 27-year-old allegedly rang the woman on April 30 and claimed to be an Australian Bank employee before he requested her PIN and bank card in an envelope with her name on it.
The man then allegedly attended the older woman’s address, collected the bank card from her letterbox and used the card at a Corio shopping centre and multiple Melbourne finance institutions.
Police executed a search warrant at the man’s Truganina address on Thursday, June 13, and seized more than $17,000 of stolen goods, including 10 bank cards, five smartphones, six smartphone vouchers, and $3750 in cash.
The man was arrested and later charged with close to 15 dishonesty-related charges, including obtaining property by deception and dealing with proceeds of crime.
He has been bailed to appear at Werribee Magistrates’ Court on November 14, with investigators enquiring to identify any further victims concerning the investigation.
Geelong Crime Investigation Unit detective senior sergeant Mark Guthrie said he encouraged anyone who may have been a victim of fraud to speak with police.
“We encourage anyone who has been subject to any type of scam to speak to police,” he said.
“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.”
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
