Detectives from the Crime and Intelligence Command, Financial Crime Unit, have charged five people with 112 fraud related offences as part of Operation Xray Sailing.
The operation was the culmination of a six-month investigation by the Financial Crime Unit into the activities of the criminal syndicate, who allegedly assumed the identity of bank customers who maintained significant cash balances.
Officers executed multiple search warrants across Ipswich, Gold Coast, Logan and Blackwater yesterday, resulting in the arrest of five people.
Police will allege syndicate members attended numerous bank branches across southeast Queensland, impersonating customers and withdrawing or transferring large amounts of cash using fraudulent identity documents.
The total amount stolen by the syndicate was $723,898, with a further $466,535 of attempted fraudulent withdrawals being detected and blocked by various bank branches.
A 23-year-old South Ripley man was charged with 11 counts of fraud, six counts of attempted fraud, nine counts of obtaining or dealing with identification information and one count of contravening order about information necessary to access information stored electronically. He is expected to appear in the Ipswich Magistrates Court today.
A 24-year-old Blackwater woman was charged with 17 counts of fraud, 12 counts of attempted fraud, 14 counts of obtaining or dealing with identification information, 11 counts of personation and one count of serious assault police officer. She is expected to appear in the Rockhampton Magistrates Court today.
A 19-year-old woman was charged with one count each of fraud and attempted fraud. She is expected to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court on October 8.
A 19-year-old Raceview woman was charged with two counts of fraud, one count of attempted fraud and three counts of obtaining or dealing with identification information. She is expected to appear in the Beenleigh Magistrates Court on October 20.
A 57-year-old Ellen Grove woman was charged with nine counts of fraud, two counts of attempted fraud and 11 counts of obtaining or dealing with identification information. She is expected to appear in the Richlands Magistrates Court on October 22.
Detective Inspector Kerry Lofdahl from the Financial Crime Unit said criminals will go to any lengths and are continually evolving as to how they target their victims.
"It is important to be vigilant and monitor your financial circumstances. Immediately report any suspicious transactions to your bank," Detective Inspector Lofdahl said.
"Being unexpectedly locked out of accounts or password changes not authorised by you are also big red flags you need to report and resolve with your bank immediately."
Tips to protect yourself:
- Safeguard Your Personal Information: Keep sensitive documents like your driver's licence, passport, and bank details secure. Avoid sharing personal information over the phone, email, or social media unless you're certain of the recipient's legitimacy.
- Monitor Your Bank Accounts: Regularly check your bank statements and online banking for unauthorised transactions. Report suspicious activity to your bank immediately.
- Strengthen Your Security: Use strong, unique passwords for online accounts and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
- Be Cautious with Documents: Shred old bank statements, bills, and other documents containing personal information before disposing of them.
- Verify Bank Communications: If contacted by someone claiming to be from your bank, verify their identity by calling your bank directly using the official contact details on their website. If you suspect your identity has been compromised, contact your bank.
