It’s the worst nightmare for many—investing money into something and having it taken from you without warning.

Tragically, this is what happened to a number of victims, as a 63-year-old man was charged for allegedly stealing more than $800,000 from his victims through fake online investment opportunities.

The man was arrested after the crime investigation unit detectives of Port Phillip raided a home at Arlington Street, Portarlington on the Bellarine Peninsula.

Police alleged that the scammer created fake websites pretending to be legitimate financial institutions and offered investment opportunities between June and September 2022.

A scammer created fake websites that offered investment opportunities such as term deposits and treasury bonds. Image source: denamorado on Freepik.

After people handed over their details through the website, someone contacted them, purporting to be from the institution and encouraged them to sign up for fake investment opportunities, which included term deposits and treasury bonds.

Unfortunately, these victims were then urged to forward their money to an Australian bank account, only to have their money stolen once it reached the account.

The man was charged with five counts of obtaining property by deception and five counts of possessing the proceeds of crime.

He was recently granted bail to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court later this month.

The police also urged anyone with information about the scams to come forward and report it immediately.

Similarly, a major Australian bank issued a warning to its customers after discovering that scammers were creating fake websites impersonating the bank.

NAB said the scammers created fake NAB-branded websites, such as NAB Connect for business banking, intending to mislead customers into downloading malicious software.

These fake sites meticulously mimic the logos, graphics, and overall branding of the genuine financial institution. Clicking on any of the links exposes the user to the risk of downloading malicious software that grants control over their device.

'These links will download a remote access software for criminals to take control of customer devices,' NAB warned.

'Do not click anything on this page and close the window immediately.'

You can read more about this scam here.

The National Anti-Scam Centre has issued a strong warning against investment scams roaming around the internet as Australians are known to lose more money to investment scams than any other type of investment.

These scams are typically harder to spot as scammers use convincing marketing and new technology—that’s usually too good to miss out on—to encourage their victims to invest in them.

Scammers usually promise big payouts with little or no risk and also use pressure tactics to encourage their victims to act fast, helping them steal their money faster.

Scams may be difficult to spot, but below are the common signs to watch out for:

• Fake news stories or ads that claim a celebrity recommends this scheme to make big money.
• An online contact (a friend or romantic interest) that you’ve never met in person starts talking to you about investing.
• Emails, websites or ads with testimonials and over-the-top promises of big returns.
• High pressure tactics designed to rush you to act so you don’t ‘miss out’.
• The ‘adviser’ who is helping you claims they don’t need an Australian financial services (AFS) license.
• You are asked to promote the scheme to friends and family to earn commission.

Tip

If you or anyone you know has fallen prey to an investment scam, report it immediately to your bank, the police, and to Scamwatch through this link: https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam.

Key Takeaways

• A man has been charged for allegedly duping people out of more than $800,000 through online investment scams.
  
• The accused man allegedly created fake websites pretending to be legitimate financial institutions and offered investment opportunities.
  
• Victims were tricked into signing up for fake investment opportunities and were told to deposit money into an Australian bank account, which the scammer then stole.
  
• The man faces five counts of both obtaining property by deception and five counts of possessing the proceeds of crime and was granted bail to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court later this month.

Members, have you or anyone you know experienced a similar scam before? What are your personal tips on how to avoid falling prey to such scams? Share them with us below!

 

[Cheezil]

It’s the worst nightmare for many—investing money into something and having it taken from you without warning.

Tragically, this is what happened to a number of victims, as a 63-year-old man was charged for allegedly stealing more than $800,000 from his victims through fake online investment opportunities.

The man was arrested after the crime investigation unit detectives of Port Phillip raided a home at Arlington Street, Portarlington on the Bellarine Peninsula.

Police alleged that the scammer created fake websites pretending to be legitimate financial institutions and offered investment opportunities between June and September 2022.

View attachment 30342

A scammer created fake websites that offered investment opportunities such as term deposits and treasury bonds. Image source: denamorado on Freepik.

After people handed over their details through the website, someone contacted them, purporting to be from the institution and encouraged them to sign up for fake investment opportunities, which included term deposits and treasury bonds.

Unfortunately, these victims were then urged to forward their money to an Australian bank account, only to have their money stolen once it reached the account.

The man was charged with five counts of obtaining property by deception and five counts of possessing the proceeds of crime.

He was recently granted bail to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court later this month.

The police also urged anyone with information about the scams to come forward and report it immediately.

Similarly, a major Australian bank issued a warning to its customers after discovering that scammers were creating fake websites impersonating the bank.

NAB said the scammers created fake NAB-branded websites, such as NAB Connect for business banking, intending to mislead customers into downloading malicious software.

These fake sites meticulously mimic the logos, graphics, and overall branding of the genuine financial institution. Clicking on any of the links exposes the user to the risk of downloading malicious software that grants control over their device.

'These links will download a remote access software for criminals to take control of customer devices,' NAB warned.

'Do not click anything on this page and close the window immediately.'

You can read more about this scam here.

The National Anti-Scam Centre has issued a strong warning against investment scams roaming around the internet as Australians are known to lose more money to investment scams than any other type of investment.

These scams are typically harder to spot as scammers use convincing marketing and new technology—that’s usually too good to miss out on—to encourage their victims to invest in them.

Scammers usually promise big payouts with little or no risk and also use pressure tactics to encourage their victims to act fast, helping them steal their money faster.

Scams may be difficult to spot, but below are the common signs to watch out for:

• Fake news stories or ads that claim a celebrity recommends this scheme to make big money.
• An online contact (a friend or romantic interest) that you’ve never met in person starts talking to you about investing.
• Emails, websites or ads with testimonials and over-the-top promises of big returns.
• High pressure tactics designed to rush you to act so you don’t ‘miss out’.
• The ‘adviser’ who is helping you claims they don’t need an Australian financial services (AFS) license.
• You are asked to promote the scheme to friends and family to earn commission.

Tip

If you or anyone you know has fallen prey to an investment scam, report it immediately to your bank, the police, and to Scamwatch through this link: https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam.

Key Takeaways

• A man has been charged for allegedly duping people out of more than $800,000 through online investment scams.
• The accused man allegedly created fake websites pretending to be legitimate financial institutions and offered investment opportunities.
• Victims were tricked into signing up for fake investment opportunities and were told to deposit money into an Australian bank account, which the scammer then stole.
• The man faces five counts of both obtaining property by deception and five counts of possessing the proceeds of crime and was granted bail to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court later this month.

Members, have you or anyone you know experienced a similar scam before? What are your personal tips on how to avoid falling prey to such scams? Share them with us below!

So many scammer warnings, at least this scumbag has been caught (& hopefully dealt with appropriately)!
Seems way too many get away with scamming or we never hear about them being caught!

 

[maggiej]

We are all hearing about these scams so we should all be aware and act accordingly. If it was pretending to be a bank or any other financial opportunity why are people so dumb that they just believe these scammers? If it were me I would either go to the source or ring the company offering the investment. Not by just clicking on an email or website.

 

[Loubeauxarts]

Surprised he was given bail. With a jail term looming I can't see him sticking around

 

[Luckyus]

It’s the worst nightmare for many—investing money into something and having it taken from you without warning.

Tragically, this is what happened to a number of victims, as a 63-year-old man was charged for allegedly stealing more than $800,000 from his victims through fake online investment opportunities.

The man was arrested after the crime investigation unit detectives of Port Phillip raided a home at Arlington Street, Portarlington on the Bellarine Peninsula.

Police alleged that the scammer created fake websites pretending to be legitimate financial institutions and offered investment opportunities between June and September 2022.

View attachment 30342

A scammer created fake websites that offered investment opportunities such as term deposits and treasury bonds. Image source: denamorado on Freepik.

After people handed over their details through the website, someone contacted them, purporting to be from the institution and encouraged them to sign up for fake investment opportunities, which included term deposits and treasury bonds.

Unfortunately, these victims were then urged to forward their money to an Australian bank account, only to have their money stolen once it reached the account.

The man was charged with five counts of obtaining property by deception and five counts of possessing the proceeds of crime.

He was recently granted bail to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court later this month.

The police also urged anyone with information about the scams to come forward and report it immediately.

Similarly, a major Australian bank issued a warning to its customers after discovering that scammers were creating fake websites impersonating the bank.

NAB said the scammers created fake NAB-branded websites, such as NAB Connect for business banking, intending to mislead customers into downloading malicious software.

These fake sites meticulously mimic the logos, graphics, and overall branding of the genuine financial institution. Clicking on any of the links exposes the user to the risk of downloading malicious software that grants control over their device.

'These links will download a remote access software for criminals to take control of customer devices,' NAB warned.

'Do not click anything on this page and close the window immediately.'

You can read more about this scam here.

The National Anti-Scam Centre has issued a strong warning against investment scams roaming around the internet as Australians are known to lose more money to investment scams than any other type of investment.

These scams are typically harder to spot as scammers use convincing marketing and new technology—that’s usually too good to miss out on—to encourage their victims to invest in them.

Scammers usually promise big payouts with little or no risk and also use pressure tactics to encourage their victims to act fast, helping them steal their money faster.

Scams may be difficult to spot, but below are the common signs to watch out for:

• Fake news stories or ads that claim a celebrity recommends this scheme to make big money.
• An online contact (a friend or romantic interest) that you’ve never met in person starts talking to you about investing.
• Emails, websites or ads with testimonials and over-the-top promises of big returns.
• High pressure tactics designed to rush you to act so you don’t ‘miss out’.
• The ‘adviser’ who is helping you claims they don’t need an Australian financial services (AFS) license.
• You are asked to promote the scheme to friends and family to earn commission.

Tip

If you or anyone you know has fallen prey to an investment scam, report it immediately to your bank, the police, and to Scamwatch through this link: https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam.

Key Takeaways

• A man has been charged for allegedly duping people out of more than $800,000 through online investment scams.
• The accused man allegedly created fake websites pretending to be legitimate financial institutions and offered investment opportunities.
• Victims were tricked into signing up for fake investment opportunities and were told to deposit money into an Australian bank account, which the scammer then stole.
• The man faces five counts of both obtaining property by deception and five counts of possessing the proceeds of crime and was granted bail to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court later this month.

Members, have you or anyone you know experienced a similar scam before? What are your personal tips on how to avoid falling prey to such scams? Share them with us below!

I always contact the firm directly by phone using my own contact details.

 

[Babbie]

I always contact the firm directly by phone using my own contact details.

I would do exactly the same as you. I never answer mobile numbers I do not recognise, if it is important the caller will leave a message.

 

[Kelpie]

It’s the worst nightmare for many—investing money into something and having it taken from you without warning.

Tragically, this is what happened to a number of victims, as a 63-year-old man was charged for allegedly stealing more than $800,000 from his victims through fake online investment opportunities.

The man was arrested after the crime investigation unit detectives of Port Phillip raided a home at Arlington Street, Portarlington on the Bellarine Peninsula.

Police alleged that the scammer created fake websites pretending to be legitimate financial institutions and offered investment opportunities between June and September 2022.

View attachment 30342

A scammer created fake websites that offered investment opportunities such as term deposits and treasury bonds. Image source: denamorado on Freepik.

After people handed over their details through the website, someone contacted them, purporting to be from the institution and encouraged them to sign up for fake investment opportunities, which included term deposits and treasury bonds.

Unfortunately, these victims were then urged to forward their money to an Australian bank account, only to have their money stolen once it reached the account.

The man was charged with five counts of obtaining property by deception and five counts of possessing the proceeds of crime.

He was recently granted bail to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court later this month.

The police also urged anyone with information about the scams to come forward and report it immediately.

Similarly, a major Australian bank issued a warning to its customers after discovering that scammers were creating fake websites impersonating the bank.

NAB said the scammers created fake NAB-branded websites, such as NAB Connect for business banking, intending to mislead customers into downloading malicious software.

These fake sites meticulously mimic the logos, graphics, and overall branding of the genuine financial institution. Clicking on any of the links exposes the user to the risk of downloading malicious software that grants control over their device.

'These links will download a remote access software for criminals to take control of customer devices,' NAB warned.

'Do not click anything on this page and close the window immediately.'

You can read more about this scam here.

The National Anti-Scam Centre has issued a strong warning against investment scams roaming around the internet as Australians are known to lose more money to investment scams than any other type of investment.

These scams are typically harder to spot as scammers use convincing marketing and new technology—that’s usually too good to miss out on—to encourage their victims to invest in them.

Scammers usually promise big payouts with little or no risk and also use pressure tactics to encourage their victims to act fast, helping them steal their money faster.

Scams may be difficult to spot, but below are the common signs to watch out for:

• Fake news stories or ads that claim a celebrity recommends this scheme to make big money.
• An online contact (a friend or romantic interest) that you’ve never met in person starts talking to you about investing.
• Emails, websites or ads with testimonials and over-the-top promises of big returns.
• High pressure tactics designed to rush you to act so you don’t ‘miss out’.
• The ‘adviser’ who is helping you claims they don’t need an Australian financial services (AFS) license.
• You are asked to promote the scheme to friends and family to earn commission.

Tip

If you or anyone you know has fallen prey to an investment scam, report it immediately to your bank, the police, and to Scamwatch through this link: https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam.

Key Takeaways

• A man has been charged for allegedly duping people out of more than $800,000 through online investment scams.
• The accused man allegedly created fake websites pretending to be legitimate financial institutions and offered investment opportunities.
• Victims were tricked into signing up for fake investment opportunities and were told to deposit money into an Australian bank account, which the scammer then stole.
• The man faces five counts of both obtaining property by deception and five counts of possessing the proceeds of crime and was granted bail to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court later this month.

Members, have you or anyone you know experienced a similar scam before? What are your personal tips on how to avoid falling prey to such scams? Share them with us below!

Why bailing him out. For God's sake lock him up and throw the keys away. It is the only way these people will learn.

 

[Kelpie]

Surprised he was given bail. With a jail term looming I can't see him sticking around

Will he get jail though. With the current Laws and the magistrates around one has to wonder. I heard last night where a 13 years old (in Victoria I think) who murdered another person while he was i a group of other hulligans he was found not guilty because of his age and that he wouldn't have known that murdering someone was bad or a crime.
One has to wonder what the World is coming to. IMHO the Judge should be disbarred.

 

[Loubeauxarts]

Will he get jail though. With the current Laws and the magistrates around one has to wonder. I heard last night where a 13 years old (in Victoria I think) who murdered another person while he was i a group of other hulligans he was found not guilty because of his age and that he wouldn't have known that murdering someone was bad or a crime.
One has to wonder what the World is coming to. IMHO the Judge should be disbarred.

Agree. They are sending all the wrong messages out when it comes to trying and sentencing those who have committed violent crimes. You're more likely to do prison time for tax evasion etc than for manslaughter or robbery. Bring back the birch.....

 

[Ezzy]

It’s the worst nightmare for many—investing money into something and having it taken from you without warning.

Tragically, this is what happened to a number of victims, as a 63-year-old man was charged for allegedly stealing more than $800,000 from his victims through fake online investment opportunities.

The man was arrested after the crime investigation unit detectives of Port Phillip raided a home at Arlington Street, Portarlington on the Bellarine Peninsula.

Police alleged that the scammer created fake websites pretending to be legitimate financial institutions and offered investment opportunities between June and September 2022.

View attachment 30342

A scammer created fake websites that offered investment opportunities such as term deposits and treasury bonds. Image source: denamorado on Freepik.

After people handed over their details through the website, someone contacted them, purporting to be from the institution and encouraged them to sign up for fake investment opportunities, which included term deposits and treasury bonds.

Unfortunately, these victims were then urged to forward their money to an Australian bank account, only to have their money stolen once it reached the account.

The man was charged with five counts of obtaining property by deception and five counts of possessing the proceeds of crime.

He was recently granted bail to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court later this month.

The police also urged anyone with information about the scams to come forward and report it immediately.

Similarly, a major Australian bank issued a warning to its customers after discovering that scammers were creating fake websites impersonating the bank.

NAB said the scammers created fake NAB-branded websites, such as NAB Connect for business banking, intending to mislead customers into downloading malicious software.

These fake sites meticulously mimic the logos, graphics, and overall branding of the genuine financial institution. Clicking on any of the links exposes the user to the risk of downloading malicious software that grants control over their device.

'These links will download a remote access software for criminals to take control of customer devices,' NAB warned.

'Do not click anything on this page and close the window immediately.'

You can read more about this scam here.

The National Anti-Scam Centre has issued a strong warning against investment scams roaming around the internet as Australians are known to lose more money to investment scams than any other type of investment.

These scams are typically harder to spot as scammers use convincing marketing and new technology—that’s usually too good to miss out on—to encourage their victims to invest in them.

Scammers usually promise big payouts with little or no risk and also use pressure tactics to encourage their victims to act fast, helping them steal their money faster.

Scams may be difficult to spot, but below are the common signs to watch out for:

• Fake news stories or ads that claim a celebrity recommends this scheme to make big money.
• An online contact (a friend or romantic interest) that you’ve never met in person starts talking to you about investing.
• Emails, websites or ads with testimonials and over-the-top promises of big returns.
• High pressure tactics designed to rush you to act so you don’t ‘miss out’.
• The ‘adviser’ who is helping you claims they don’t need an Australian financial services (AFS) license.
• You are asked to promote the scheme to friends and family to earn commission.

Tip

If you or anyone you know has fallen prey to an investment scam, report it immediately to your bank, the police, and to Scamwatch through this link: https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam.

Key Takeaways

• A man has been charged for allegedly duping people out of more than $800,000 through online investment scams.
• The accused man allegedly created fake websites pretending to be legitimate financial institutions and offered investment opportunities.
• Victims were tricked into signing up for fake investment opportunities and were told to deposit money into an Australian bank account, which the scammer then stole.
• The man faces five counts of both obtaining property by deception and five counts of possessing the proceeds of crime and was granted bail to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court later this month.

Members, have you or anyone you know experienced a similar scam before? What are your personal tips on how to avoid falling prey to such scams? Share them with us below!

Will he get jail though. With the current Laws and the magistrates around one has to wonder. I heard last night where a 13 years old (in Victoria I think) who murdered another person while he was i a group of other hulligans he was found not guilty because of his age and that he wouldn't have known that murdering someone was bad or a crime.
One has to wonder what the World is coming to. IMHO the Judge should be disbarred.

Good question indeed, & where is all the scammed money & have his Bank Accounts, Investments etc. been frozen & his Passport been handed in?

The arguement about the age of that boy being the reason he escaped jail & not knowing good from bad is rubbish! We keep hearing that youth are maturing younger these days, so lower the age of responsibility!!!! I have grandchildren who recently turned are 13 years of age & l consider them to be very mature.

 

[Kelpie]

Good question indeed, & where is all the scammed money & have his Bank Accounts, Investments etc. been frozen & his Passport been handed in?

The arguement about the age of that boy being the reason he escaped jail & not knowing good from bad is rubbish! We keep hearing that youth are maturing younger these days, so lower the age of responsibility!!!! I have grandchildren who recently turned are 13 years of age & l consider them to be very mature.

Couldn't agree with you more. You are so right but the do gooders will not agree with you. My way of doing things when things like this are happening is to held the do gooders fully responsible for the crime and even make them pay out of their own pockets.
See as to how long they will to promote the same rubbish after the first case.

 

[evitravel]

We are all hearing about these scams so we should all be aware and act accordingly. If it was pretending to be a bank or any other financial opportunity why are people so dumb that they just believe these scammers? If it were me I would either go to the source or ring the company offering the investment. Not by just clicking on an email or website.

You are a bit harsh in what you are saying. Don't forget that this scams are also happening over the phone, and most people who fall victim is the elderly, who have no computer, don't even know how to use it, so they are an easy target. So they are not "dumb" as you said, they just simply don't know about it.