A 51-year-old man reportedly offered to help an international student obtain a Sponsored Investor Visa, a pathway that allows foreign nationals to gain permanent residency in Australia by making significant investments.

Waqas had reportedly registered a club called ‘Golden Football Trial’ and trained the individuals to act as footballers, charging each member between Rs 4–4.5 million to facilitate their travel.

Police allege that in early August the man sent fraudulent text messages claiming mobile services would be restricted due to missed payments.

“From fake investments to online deals, scammers are constantly adapting and using emotional triggers to exploit Australians.”

Recipients are urged not to engage with these callers, avoid sharing any personal or financial details, and hang up immediately.

Jain’s rented premises were decorated with flags of various countries and housed four cars bearing fake diplomatic plates.

The seller added that if he wished to pay via bank transfer, the payment had to be made before pickup — a request Manoj thankfully declined.

The website is professional and the imagery illustrates an Australian coastal region, or chic inner-CBD scene.

Victims are approached by individuals who pose as spiritual healers or their associates, claiming that a family curse or spiritual danger requires their wealth to be blessed.

Cryptocurrency ATMs, which allow users to convert cash into digital currencies, have grown from just 23 machines in 2019 to more than 1,800 across Australia.