Police have charged a man following an investigation into multiple fraud-related offences allegedly targeting vulnerable community members.
On Monday 27 February 2023, Mudgee Police initiated an investigation into an incident involving a 73-year-old man. Following inquiries, officers arrested a 38-year-old man on Denison Street, about 5pm the same day.
He was taken to Mudgee Police Station where he was charged with dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception.
Following further inquiries, police allege a similar incidents occurred in February this year involving an elderly couple in Toowoon Bay, and an 84-year-old man in Mudgee.
About 4.20pm yesterday (Wednesday 8 March 2023), a 38-year-old man was arrested at Kogarah Police Station.
He was charged with a further two counts of dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception, two counts of recklessly deal with proceeds of crime, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
The Narwee man was given conditional bail to appear at Mudgee Local Court on Tuesday 4 April 2023 for all charges.
Orana Mid-Western Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Natalie Antaw, encouraged members of the community to report any incidents such as these to police.
"If you have doubts about the identity of anyone who claims to represent a business, organisation or government department, contact the body directly. Don't rely on contact details provided by the person – find them through an independent source such as a phone book or online search.
"Never provide your personal or banking details to anyone over the phone - remember legitimate businesses don't cold-call customers asking for confidential information," Det Insp Antaw said.
Police strongly encourage the community to report any potential scams to their local police station, or to the ACCC via SCAMWATCH report a scam page www.scamwatch.gov.au or by calling 1300 795 995.
Anyone with information about suspected fraudulent activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
