Sydney Nurse Loses $320K in Chilling ‘Police’ Scam

• Scam Victim Story
• Financial Fraud
• Banking Scams

A Sydney nurse was manipulated into transferring her life savings after scammers posed as police and her bank. Learn how to protect yourself.

From Life Savings to Debt: A Sydney Scam Victim’s Nightmare

Imagine waking up to find your entire life savings—over $320,000—vanished. For one Sydney nurse, Amelia (name changed), this became her heartbreaking reality after falling victim to a chillingly sophisticated phone scam.

The Call That Changed Everything

It all began when Amelia received a call from a number matching her bank’s official customer service line. The caller claimed her credit card had been used to purchase drugs online. In a seamless transition, she was transferred to someone posing as a Chinese police officer who claimed she was under investigation for money laundering.

Over two months, the scammers kept Amelia on constant video calls, coaching her through large money transfers, manipulating her psychologically with threats of jail, deportation, and shame. They even supplied scripts for her to use at the bank, instructing her to say the money was for a cousin’s IT business.

How Scammers Coached Her

Amelia was guided on how to bypass security checks and appear calm to avoid suspicion. Under duress, she transferred $134,000 from her mortgage offset, then $200,000, and later topped up her home loan by $60,000—all of it handed to the scammers.

The Aftermath: Financial Ruin and Emotional Toll

Despite some flagged transactions, her banks—CBA and ANZ—ultimately processed the transfers. Amelia was told that because she authorised the transactions, they weren’t liable for her losses. ANZ offered a partial settlement. CBA’s goodwill gesture was declined.

Left with a $250,000 debt and escalating mortgage payments, Amelia fell into depression and shame. “I went from saving for 15 years to owing $250,000. I couldn’t even find the will to live,” she said.

Why These Scams Work So Well

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) reports a 28% rise in scam losses early this year alone—totalling nearly $119 million. Scammers are more organised, investing time in grooming their victims, using spoofed phone numbers and fake identities, and tailoring scams to cultural backgrounds.

Victims like Amelia are coached to say what banks expect to hear. It’s a terrifying blend of psychological manipulation and technological precision.

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself

• Never trust unsolicited calls—even if the number looks legitimate. Phone numbers can be spoofed.
• Do not share personal or banking info over the phone or online unless you initiated the contact.
• Hang up and verify the contact by visiting the organisation’s official website.
• Talk to your bank before transferring large sums. Ask them to double-check if something feels off.
• Share your story. Breaking the silence helps others avoid becoming victims.

Are Banks Doing Enough?

Amelia’s ordeal raises critical questions. While banks claim to have protocols in place, are they robust enough to protect customers under duress? Should banks be held more accountable when scams are this sophisticated?

Consumer advocates argue more proactive intervention is needed—especially when large international transfers are involved, and when customers show signs of manipulation or distress.

If You’ve Been Targeted

You are not alone. Support is available through Scamwatch, the ACCC, IDCARE, and financial counselling services. Speak up. Help others stay informed and safe.