When we think of the humble postie, most of us picture a friendly face delivering birthday cards, bills, and the odd online shopping parcel.

But a recent police investigation in Sydney has revealed a shocking twist: not all mail makes it safely to your letterbox.



In a case that’s left many Sydneysiders feeling uneasy, three men—including a 56-year-old postal worker—have been charged over a sophisticated scheme involving the theft of bank cards from the mail delivery network.

Police allege that these stolen cards were then supplied to two separate organised crime syndicates in Rockdale, resulting in more than $1.4 million in fraudulent transactions.

How Did the Scam Work?​

According to police, the postal worker targeted mail in the affluent suburbs of Edgecliff, Woollahra, and Double Bay in Sydney’s east.

Instead of delivering new bank cards to their rightful owners, he allegedly intercepted them and passed them on to organised crime groups, who quickly put them to use.



The stolen cards were used for fraudulent purchases and withdrawals totalling over $1.4 million.

For many victims, the first sign of trouble was likely a mysterious transaction or a missing card that never arrived.

Police Crack Down​

From about 4 am on Wednesday, police executed five search warrants across Rockdale and Roselands.

The raids turned up more than $14,000 in cash, an encrypted communications device (often used to avoid police detection), a stash of stolen bank cards, a Taser, and a collection of luxury goods including watches, handbags, and jewellery.



At a Rockdale address, officers arrested the 56-year-old postal worker, who now faces 143 fraud-related offences. At another Rockdale address, they arrested a 35-year-old man and charged him with fraud-related and other offences.

In Roselands, a 27-year-old man was arrested and charged with multiple fraud offences.

All three were refused bail and appeared in court yesterday. Police say the investigation is ongoing, with more arrests and charges expected.

How Can You Protect Yourself?​

While it’s impossible to guarantee your mail’s safety, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

• Track your mail: Many banks offer tracking for new cards. If you’re expecting a card, keep an eye on its delivery status.
• Act quickly: If your card doesn’t arrive within the expected timeframe, contact your bank immediately.
• Monitor your accounts: Regularly check your bank statements for any suspicious activity.
• Consider a PO Box: If you’re concerned about mail theft in your area, a PO Box at your local post office can offer extra security.
• Report suspicious activity: If you notice someone tampering with mailboxes or acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood, let Australia Post or the police know.

Read more: Two Romanian men charged over NSW card skimming scam that netted more than $800K


Have you ever had a card go missing, or been the victim of mail theft? How did your bank or Australia Post handle it? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!