Police are re-issuing a warning to the public, following more reports of stealing and fraud offences targeting the elderly community, across parts of the state.
Officers across several Police Districts and Police Area Commands have received reports of the incidents, with some victims reporting losses of hundreds of dollars.
Incidents have been reported in Lake Illawarra Police District, Wollongong Police District, South Coast Police District and Sutherland Police Area Command.
Earlier this month, incidents were reported in Newcastle City Police District, Kuring Gai Police Area Command, Northern Beaches Police Area Command, The Hills Police Area Command and Hawkesbury Police Area Command.
Investigators have been told elderly victims have been approached by unknown people who claim the victim has dropped their wallet or cash. While the victim is distracted, their wallet is taken and their cards are subsequently used fraudulently.
Incidents of note:
Between 12.15pm and 12.30pm on Wednesday 4 March 2026, a 73-year-old woman had her credit card stolen, while walking to her car after leaving a supermarket on the corner of Princes Highway and Elliots Road, Fairy Meadow. Officers attached to Wollongong Police District were told the woman felt someone nudge her from behind, before dropping her handbag. A male told the woman she had dropped her purse. She picked it up and returned to her car, but couldn't locate her ATM card. Eight fraudulent transactions were made total $1970. Officers attached to Wollongong Police District commenced inquiries.
On Monday 16 March 2026, a report was made to South Coast Police District of an alleged stealing offence in Clyde Street, Batemans Bay. Officers were told about 9.50am on Sunday 15 March 2026, a 63-year-old woman was approached by a male and female who told her she had dropped a $50 note. When the woman said it was not her money, they inisisted and the man placed the $50 note in her wallet. A short time later, the woman realised her bank card was missing. $980 cash was withdrawn from the bank account, before the card was cancelled.
Police believe it is a group of four people involved.
They are described as three males and one female, of Middle Eastern Appearance and aged in their 40s, with a foreign accent.
As inquiries continue, investigators are urging anyone who may have been a victim of a similar incident to report the matter to their local police station or via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
