Police are warning those members of the community
with self-managed superannuation and investment funds to be extra vigilant
following the arrest of a 35-year-old man with a $120,000 fraud offence.
It is alleged the 35-year-old man gained
access to the victim’s superannuation fund and withdrew large sums of money.
The victim noticed the problem when he could not gain access to his
superannuation account.
Detective Superintendent Brian Hay of the
State Crime Operations Command’s Fraud and Corporate Crime Group said people
who manage their own investments and accounts need to be extra cautious.
“While we focus quite heavily on internet
scams and securing your identity online, sometimes we forget scams like this
can occur from old fashioned mail theft.
“Someone may steal your bank statement
out of your mail box and use those details to gain access to your money.
“Consider online statements, but when
moving to an online source, do not respond to emails from banks or funds
requesting you update your password or details and go the extra mile and do
further checks when contacted by your institution.”
The 35-year-old man has been charged with
one count of fraud and one count of deal with identification particulars.
He will appear in Cleveland Magistrates
Court today.
