Boroondara Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance to identify three men after a 91-year-old woman was scammed of more than $10K in Melbourne's east last year.
It is believed the Hawthorn woman, was contacted by a man purporting to be her bank on 3 March 2025.
The offender gained remote access to the victim's account, transferring $4,947 and attempting to make further transfers which were blocked.
He then falsely claimed the victim's bank cards were faulty and arranged for himself to collect them from the victim's address.
Once obtained, three offenders used the cards to make the following transactions the same day:
- a withdrawal of $1,000 from an ATM on Main Street in Box Hill, about 6.40pm
- a purchase valued at $4,333 from a retailer on Middleborough Road in Box Hill South, about 7.25pm
- a purchase valued at $369.97 from a chemist on Doncaster Road in Doncaster, about 7.45pm
Investigators have released CCTV and images of three men they believe can assist with their enquiries.
The first man is perceived to be of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance, approximately 35 years old with a solid build, olive skin, and dark-coloured hair and beard.
The second man is perceived to be of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance, approximately 25 years old with a slim build, olive skin, medium-length wavy hair and a dark-coloured beard.
The third man is perceived to be of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance, approximately 25 years old with a slim build, olive skin, dark-coloured hair and beard, and was wearing glasses.
It is believed the trio was travelling in a black Honda sedan at the time.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Quotes attributable to Detective Senior Constable Milly Osborne, Boroondara Crime Investigation Unit
"Police are noticing a rise in phone-based financial scams, often targeting elderly members of the community.
"A common tactic involves offenders convincing victims to place their bank cards in their mailboxes for a supposed 'collection' by the bank, which is often abided by out of good faith and trust by the victims.
"I do feel for sorry for these elderly victims, which is why I would love to identity these males and disrupt any further offending."
