Fraud charge, Beerwah
Sunshine Coast detectives have charged a 50-year-old woman with fraud over the weekend following investigations into the alleged use of an elderly man’s ATM card.
It will be alleged the woman had befriended an 81-year-old Beerwah man and offered to help him with paying his bills.
Police will further allege that over a period of months the woman has used the man’s card to make a number of withdrawals for her own personal gain.
A relative of the man has become aware of the transactions and has reported it to police.
On Saturday police issued the 50-year-old Landsborough woman with a notice to appear on a charge of fraud.
She is due to appear in the Caloundra Magistrates Court on May 14.
Detective Senior Sergeant Daren Edwards, Officer in Charge of the Sunshine Coast District CIB said that incidents such as this served as a timely reminder for people with elderly relatives to keep a check on who is dealing with their finances.
“Elder abuse remains an ongoing issue and it is important for people to assist their elderly relatives to protect their finances,” Senior Sergeant Edwards said.
“There is an Elder Abuse Helpline on 1300 651 192 which provides free assistance to anyone experiencing elder abuse, or who is concerned about someone they may know.”
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
