By Matthew Sims
Brimbank Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a 32 year-old Deer Park man with an alleged string of scam offences involving more than 100 victims.
Police alleged the scams occurred between April 2018 and September 2021 and involved puppy scams, false advertising on online marketplaces and claiming to be from the Australian Taxation Office or a mobile phone company.
Police arrested and charged the Deer Park man with obtaining property by deception, possessing proceeds of crime and using fraudulent document overnight on Wednesday, April 27.
Police have alleged the scams involved 109 victims who lost $295,705 in total, with the man allegedly using stolen identities to obtain bank accounts and requesting the victims transfer money into these bank accounts.
In a Victoria Police statement, a police spokesperson said that the case should serve as a reminder to hang up on calls where someone is claiming to be from a mobile phone company and call back the company on their publicly listed phone number.
“It comes as a reminder for people to delay any purchases until you can see the item, or animal such as a dog, in person,” the spokesperson said.
“If you receive a phone call requesting personal information or payment from a person representing themselves as a government agency, do not respond to the request and hang up.
“Call the agency back through a publicly listed phone number.”
Police remanded the man to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday, April 28.
Anyone with any information relating to the scam is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Details: www.cyber.gov.au or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
