Man faces multiple counts of fraud for running online livestock scam
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The digital age has brought with it a myriad of conveniences, including the ability to buy and sell goods online with just a few clicks.
However, as the saying goes, 'With great power comes great responsibility,' and unfortunately, not everyone uses this power for good.
A recent case in Queensland serves as a cautionary tale and a reminder to stay vigilant, especially when it comes to online transactions.
A Queensland man has been charged with multiple counts of fraud after allegedly running an online scam involving livestock.
The scam, which has left several people out of pocket, involved the sale of cattle, donkeys, and even a kitten.
The victims, who believed they were purchasing livestock and feed, were duped out of more than $7,500 collectively.
Between August and October 2023, 12 individuals were lured by advertisements on social media platforms, where the livestock and feed were falsely listed for sale.
The man behind these ads allegedly accepted payments but never delivered the promised animals or feed.
The police operation culminated in a raid at an address in Kallangur, where officers discovered various items, including a drug pipe.
The man now faces 14 counts of fraud, along with charges related to the possession of dangerous drugs and drug paraphernalia.
Police are advising potential buyers to take several precautionary steps, such as arranging to inspect the livestock in person, requesting the Property Identification Code (PIC), verifying the seller's Australian Business Number (ABN), and having a voice conversation with the seller before handing over any money.
The man charged in this scam is scheduled to appear at Pine Rivers Magistrates Court on November 14.
Meanwhile, anyone who believes they may have been a victim of this crime is urged to come forward and report the incident.
If you encounter a scam, report it to the Australian Cyber Security Centre or Scamwatch to help prevent others from falling victim.
How do you protect yourself when you are shopping online? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!
However, as the saying goes, 'With great power comes great responsibility,' and unfortunately, not everyone uses this power for good.
A recent case in Queensland serves as a cautionary tale and a reminder to stay vigilant, especially when it comes to online transactions.
A Queensland man has been charged with multiple counts of fraud after allegedly running an online scam involving livestock.
The scam, which has left several people out of pocket, involved the sale of cattle, donkeys, and even a kitten.
A man was charged with multiple counts of fraud after running an online livestock scam. Credit: Queensland Police
The victims, who believed they were purchasing livestock and feed, were duped out of more than $7,500 collectively.
Between August and October 2023, 12 individuals were lured by advertisements on social media platforms, where the livestock and feed were falsely listed for sale.
The man behind these ads allegedly accepted payments but never delivered the promised animals or feed.
The police operation culminated in a raid at an address in Kallangur, where officers discovered various items, including a drug pipe.
The man now faces 14 counts of fraud, along with charges related to the possession of dangerous drugs and drug paraphernalia.
Police are advising potential buyers to take several precautionary steps, such as arranging to inspect the livestock in person, requesting the Property Identification Code (PIC), verifying the seller's Australian Business Number (ABN), and having a voice conversation with the seller before handing over any money.
The man charged in this scam is scheduled to appear at Pine Rivers Magistrates Court on November 14.
Meanwhile, anyone who believes they may have been a victim of this crime is urged to come forward and report the incident.
If you encounter a scam, report it to the Australian Cyber Security Centre or Scamwatch to help prevent others from falling victim.
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