In an age where digital security is often at the forefront of our minds, it's easy to forget that traditional forms of theft can be just as devastating.

A stark reminder of this came to light recently when a Melbourne man was accused of orchestrating a mail theft scam that led to the funnelling of a staggering $2.3 million out of a woman's account.

The 38-year-old man, who was wearing Mickey Mouse pyjamas at the time of his arrest, is alleged to have stolen the substantial sum from a 65-year-old woman.

The victim, who had moved from Melbourne to China nearly ten years prior, had intended the money to be an inheritance for her grandchildren.

A man was arrested for a mail theft scam from a woman who lost $2.3 million. Credit: 9 News Australia / YouTube

According to Sergeant Stacey Maliko, the man's method was as bold as simple.

He allegedly broke into the woman's vacant Balwyn home and stole her mail, which contained enough personal documents to enable him to assume her identity and gain access to her bank account.

The crime, Maliko emphasised, was 'extremely serious' and could carry significant terms of imprisonment.

‘This money was really important to them,’ Maliko said.

‘These kinds of offending hold significant terms of imprisonment.’

The audacious nature of the crime was matched only by the man's lavish spending habits, ultimately leading to his downfall.

His penchant for high-end cars drew attention, and during early morning raids across St Albans, Keilor Downs, and South Morang, authorities seized four Mercedes Benzes and a Jaguar.

Additionally, designer jewellery and clothing, believed to have been purchased with the stolen funds, were also confiscated.

The man has since been charged and remanded.

You can watch 9 News Australia’s coverage below:

Credit: 9 News Australia / YouTube​

Police have issued a warning and some advice in the wake of this crime.

‘If you're not going to be at your property for a significant period of time, to secure that mail - hire a PO box or ensure that mail is being redirected to somewhere where it's being collected and is safe,’ Maliko said.

In a similar story, the police have issued a warning to the public after a 60-year-old woman lost $200,000 to a scammer who gained her trust through a fake profile on a social media platform. You can read more about the story here.

Key Takeaways

• A Melbourne man is accused of stealing $2.3 million from a woman's bank account through mail theft, resulting in his arrest.
• The alleged offender used personal documents from stolen mail to take over the victim's identity and access her finances.
• High-end purchases, including luxury cars and designer goods, raised red flags that led to the discovery of the fraud.
• Police provide advice on securing mail to prevent theft and recommend using a PO box or mail redirection to ensure safety.

Have you or someone you know ever been a victim of mail theft or identity fraud? What steps have you taken to safeguard your personal information? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!

 

[Ebby]

Be wise to put your mail on hold while your away or get someone to pick it up for you

 

[Kevin. A.]

I hope the courts throw the book at this scum bag. These low lives want the high lifestyles, but do not want to work for it; they would rather steal from others instead.