Man to Face Newcastle Court Today, Allegedly Stealing Bank Cards From Elderly Across the State

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A 45-year-old man is due to face Newcastle Local Court today, after allegedly defrauding elderly residents across the State.

Police will allege the man stole bank cards then called the cards owners, with 15 residents from retirement villages and residential complexes located in the Central Coast, Southern Highlands, Illawarra and Canberra receiving phone calls between January and April 2020, from a man purporting to be from their bank.

He was able to obtain information which enabled him to withdrawal cash from ATMs in East Maitland, Belmont, East Gosford, Tahmoor, Tuggerah Lakes, , Dapto and Canberra.

Investigators attended a home in Springfield, near Gosford, about 8.30am on Monday 25th May and arrested a 45-year-old man.

A search warrant was executed at the home a short time later, with officers seizing mobile phones, cannabis, banking documentation and clothing.

The man was taken to Woy Woy Police Station, where he was charged with 19 counts of dishonestly obtain property by deception, and possess prohibited drug.

He was refused bail and is due to face Newcastle Local Court today.

Investigations are continuing and police are reminding members of the public, especially vulnerable people such as the elderly, to never give their bank or personal details out.

Those who are concerned their details have been fraudulently obtained are urged to contact their local police station.