- Phone Scam
- Bank Impersonation
- Elder Fraud
Victoria Police investigate a phone scam where fraudsters posing as bank staff stole over $10,000 from a 91-year-old Hawthorn woman. Learn how this scam works and how to protect elderly relatives.
Hawthorn Woman Targeted by Sophisticated Bank Impersonation Scam
Victoria Police are appealing for public assistance following a distressing phone-based scam that left a 91-year-old Hawthorn woman more than $10,000 out of pocket. The Boroondara Crime Investigation Unit is investigating the incident, which occurred on 3 March 2025 and highlights the growing threat of financial fraud targeting elderly Australians in Melbourne's eastern suburbs.
The case demonstrates the sophisticated tactics now being employed by scammers who exploit trust and impersonate legitimate institutions. Detectives have released CCTV footage and images of three men believed to be connected to the offending, urging anyone with information to come forward and help prevent further victims.
How the Scam Unfolded
The fraud began when the elderly victim received a phone call from someone claiming to represent her bank. This initial contact established a false sense of legitimacy that would prove devastating. During the call, investigators allege the offender convinced the woman to allow remote access to her computer, a common tactic used by scammers to gain control of banking systems.
Once remote access was established, the offender transferred $4,947 from the victim's account. Additional transaction attempts were fortunately blocked by the bank's fraud detection systems, preventing even greater losses. However, the scam did not end there. The caller then informed the victim that her bank cards were faulty and arranged to have them collected from her home address.
Acting in good faith and trusting that she was dealing with a genuine bank representative, the woman placed her cards in her mailbox for collection. This handover of physical cards would enable the offenders to conduct further fraudulent transactions throughout Melbourne's eastern suburbs later that same day.
Subsequent Fraudulent Transactions Across Melbourne
Police allege that three men used the stolen bank cards to carry out a series of purchases and withdrawals across multiple locations. At approximately 6.40 pm, a $1,000 cash withdrawal was made from an ATM on Main Street in Box Hill. Just 45 minutes later, around 7.25 pm, a substantial purchase of $4,333 was made at a retailer on Middleborough Road in Box Hill South. The spending spree continued at approximately 7.45 pm with a $369.97 purchase at a chemist on Doncaster Road in Doncaster.
Combined with the initial fraudulent transfer, the total losses exceeded $10,000, representing a significant financial blow to the elderly victim. The speed at which these transactions occurred demonstrates how quickly scammers move to extract maximum value before cards can be cancelled or fraud alerts triggered.
Police Investigation and Suspect Descriptions
Victoria Police have released detailed descriptions of three men they wish to speak with regarding the investigation. The first man is described as being of Mediterranean or Middle Eastern appearance, approximately 35 years old, with a solid build, olive skin, and dark hair and beard. The second man is believed to be around 25 years old with a slim build, olive skin, medium-length wavy hair, and a dark beard. The third man, also approximately 25 years old, is described as having a slim build, olive skin, dark hair and beard, and was wearing glasses at the time.
Investigators believe the trio were travelling in a black Honda sedan during the alleged offences. Anyone who recognises these descriptions or who may have witnessed suspicious activity in Box Hill, Box Hill South, or Doncaster on the evening of 3 March 2025 is encouraged to contact authorities.
Rising Trend of Phone Scams Targeting the Elderly
Detective Senior Constable Milly Osborne from the Boroondara Crime Investigation Unit confirmed that police are observing an increase in phone-based financial scams, with elderly community members being disproportionately targeted. These scams exploit the trust that older Australians typically place in institutions such as banks and government agencies.
A particularly concerning tactic involves offenders convincing victims to place their bank cards in mailboxes for supposed collection by the bank. This method succeeds because it relies on victims' good faith and their willingness to cooperate with what they believe are legitimate requests from trusted institutions. The physical collection of cards also helps scammers bypass digital security measures that might otherwise protect accounts.
The detective expressed personal concern for elderly victims and emphasised the importance of identifying the suspects to prevent further offending. This sentiment reflects a broader community responsibility to protect vulnerable members from financial exploitation.
How to Protect Yourself and Elderly Relatives
Understanding how these scams operate is the first step toward prevention. Banks will never call customers and request remote access to their computers or devices. They will never ask customers to hand over bank cards, whether by mail collection, courier, or any other method. Any caller making such requests should be treated with extreme suspicion regardless of how legitimate they may sound.
If you receive an unexpected call claiming to be from your bank, hang up immediately and call the bank directly using the number printed on your card or official website. Never use phone numbers provided by the caller, as these may connect you to the scammers themselves. Wait at least five minutes before making your own call, or use a different phone, as some scammers can keep the line open to intercept outgoing calls.
Family members and carers play a crucial role in protecting elderly relatives from these scams. Having regular conversations about current fraud tactics helps raise awareness without causing undue alarm. Consider establishing a family code word that must be used before any financial decisions are made, and encourage elderly relatives to check with a trusted family member before responding to unexpected financial requests.
Reporting Scams and Seeking Assistance
Anyone with information about this specific incident should contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online. Information can be provided anonymously and may prove crucial in identifying offenders and preventing future victims.
If you or someone you know has fallen victim to a similar scam, contact your bank immediately to freeze accounts and prevent further losses. Report the incident to police and lodge a report with Scamwatch, which helps authorities track scam trends and issue timely warnings to the community. IDCARE, Australia's national identity and cyber support service, can also provide guidance if personal information has been compromised during a scam.