Two men, woman charged with fraud, stealing offences after allegedly fleecing thousands from elderly shoppers

A trio have been charged with fraud and theft offences after allegedly fleecing elderly victims using a wallet-dropping scam at multiple Queensland shopping centres. In a statement, Queensland Police said elderly victims aged between 70 and 94 using ATM machines or paying for groceries at Queensland shopping centres were prime targets for the three’s widespread fraud ring. It is alleged several were targeted in the suburbs of Kenmore, Chermside, Strathpine, North Lakes, Buddina, Caloundra and Laidley. Police allege After choosing an unsuspecting victim, the three distracted the elderly shoppers by claiming they had dropped their wallets. The alleged thieves would then take off with their victims’ cards as soon as they were caught off guard. Detectives on Saturday arrested two Romanian man, aged 49 and 42, and a Romanian woman, 29, at a unit complex in Eight Mile Plains. Another $20,000 was seized from the property. The 49-year-old man and 29-year-old woman were both charged with numerous counts of fraud and stealing and fronted Brisbane court on Saturday. They have both been refused bail. The remaining 42-year-old man was only charged with one count of stealing and bailed to face Southport court in early April. More arrests are expected as investigations continue, with the fraudulent thefts possibly spreading to other states, including NSW and Victoria. Police are issuing a strict warning for community members to monitor their finances and stay vigilant of their surroundings when using ATM machines. Victims of fraudulent theft in the community have also been asked to come forward and speak with police, Detective Acting Superintendent for the Financial and Cyber Crime Group Jim Fenton said. “I encourage anyone who notices fraudulent transactions on their accounts to immediately notify their financial institution, then report the matter to police and seek any personal support you may need,” Detective Acting Superintendent Fenton said.