Darebin Crime Investigation Unit detectives are issuing a warning to businesses after a series of bogus deliveries were reported to police over the past two months.
Seventeen victims have been targeted by a man claiming he requires cash up front to make a delivery between 11 December and 21 January.
In most incidents, the offender attends a business or residence claiming he has a delivery of goods to make however requires payment before he can give them their items.
He also tries to sell goods at bargain prices but requires payment up front.
Once the victims hand over the cash, between $100 and $2500, the offender leaves saying he's going to get the items due for delivery or purchased but instead takes off.
The incidents police are currently investigating include:
- 11 December, $1800 dollars taken from a woman at a private residence at a Clarke Avenue address in St Albans
- 18 December, $200 was taken from a bottle shop on Overton Lea Boulevard in Sydenham
- 21 December, $100 was taken from a bakery on Mt Alexander Road in Flemington
- 22 December, $550 was taken from a grocery store on Commercial Road in Prahran
- 24 December, $450 was taken from an ice cream store on High Street in Thornbury
- 24 December, $800 was taken from a café on High Street in Thornbury
- 26 December, $2500 was taken from a shop on Watton Street in Werribee
- 29 December, $300 was taken from a bakery on Brantome Street in Gisborne
- 4 January, $2000 was taken from a fish and chip shop on Newcombe Street in Portarlington
- 5 January, $700 was taken from an ice cream shop on Point Nepean Road in Dromana
- 5 January, the offender attempted to sell discounted coffee to a café on Grinter Street, Moolap however staff didn't provide any cash
- 8 January, $1300 was taken from a fast-food outlet on the Princes Highway in Pakenham
- 15 January, $400 was taken from a fast-food outlet on Plenty Road in South Morang
- 16 January, $600 was taken from a bottle shop on Mountain View Road in Briar Hill
- 17 January, $500 was taken from a café on Aberdeen Road in Macleod
- 21 January, $450 was taken from a café on High Street in Broadford
- 21 January, $850 was taken from a gift store on Station Street in Seymour
Investigators executed a search warrant at Burnside Heights address on 30 December however no arrests have been made at this stage.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link
FRAUD/2023/Jan/Delivery fraudster
Comments attributable to Darebin Crime Investigation Unit Detective Senior Constable Amanda Wright:
"This offender is very good at convincing people that he has a delivery for them, often providing accurate names of owners/managers at these businesses so his claims appear legitimate and producing fake invoices at times," she said.
"We urge people to confirm with management that they are expecting a legitimate delivery before providing any money and confirm that the stock actually exists.
"Anyone who thinks they are a victim are urged to report the matter to their local police station."
