A 91-year-old woman from Foster, Victoria, has fallen victim to a sophisticated scam that saw her lose $130,000, after receiving a phone call from someone claiming to be her bank.
The call, made on September 19, warned the elderly woman that fraudulent charges had been made on her account. Shortly after, a man, who authorities now believe to be local, arrived at her door to collect her bank card.
Over the following five days, the woman’s card was allegedly used 130 times across various Melbourne stores, purchasing gift cards. The card was cancelled once the scam was discovered.
The widespread locations included shops in Airport West, Altona, Bacchus Marsh, Balaclava, Caulfield, Chadstone, Corio, Deer Park, Elsternwick, Essendon, Footscray, Geelong, Maribyrnong, Hoppers Crossing, Malvern, Moonee Ponds, Point Cook, Port Melbourne Spotswood, Sunshine, Werribee, Williamstown and Yarraville.
Victoria Police have now released images of a man they believe can assist with their investigation. They are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
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