Two Men Face Dozens of Charges Over Alleged $250,000 Fraud Targeting Elderly Australians.

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Two men from Victoria have been charged with a staggering 71 offences following an alleged scam that siphoned hundreds of thousands of dollars from elderly victims in Victoria and Western Australia.

Victoria Police say the men, aged 30 (Corio) and 33 (Werribee, are accused of defrauding seven mostly elderly individuals of around $250,000 between June 2024 and February 2025. Police allege the scammers gained remote access to victims’ bank accounts after initiating contact through deceptive methods.

Between February and June 2025, detectives executed four search warrants at properties in Corio, Werribee, and Geelong West. These raids reportedly uncovered substantial evidence suggesting a coordinated financial crime operation.

The men face identical charges:

• Obtaining property by deception
  
• Theft
  
• Possession of the proceeds of crime
  
• Obtaining financial advantage by deception
  
• Handling stolen goods
  

Recent data show a concerning rise in the exploitation of vulnerable seniors through digital fraud. While most incidents involve smaller amounts, a growing number of Australians are losing six-figure sums per scam.

Both men have been granted bail and are due to appear at Geelong Magistrates’ Court on 21 October 2025.

This case has renewed calls for stronger measures to protect older Australians. Critics say Australia must address ongoing gaps in cybercrime prevention and prosecution. Meanwhile, authorities, including the National Anti-Scam Centre, continue collaborating with law enforcement to dismantle large-scale scam operations.