Five people have been charged with defrauding bank customers of hundreds of thousands of dollars following raids across the southeast, including the Gold Coast.
Detectives from the Crime and Intelligence Command have been investigating the alleged syndicate for six months.
It’s alleged that the group assumed the identity of bank customers who had significant cash balances in their accounts.
They’re accused of impersonating the customers and withdrawing or transferring large amounts of cash using fraudulent ID.
The syndicate is alleged to have stolen $723,898, with a further $466,535 blocked from being transferred after being detected by a number of banks.
Officers executed multiple search warrants across Ipswich, Gold Coast, Logan and Blackwater this week, resulting in the arrest of five people.
They’ve been charged with a total of 112 offences.
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.”
