Man to face court on multiple fraud charges
A 52-year-old Braddon man will face the ACT Magistrates Court this morning (Friday, August 10) on multiple fraud charges.
ACT Policing Criminal Investigations officers executed a search warrant on a Braddon address yesterday where the man was arrested.
Police will allege the man developed trust with his victim, a Canberra woman, after offering to paint street numbers on the driveway of the victim’s residence. He told his victim of fictitious health difficulties of his children, and himself, and their requirement for ongoing medical care. Between September 2016 and August 2017 the woman gave the man almost $100 000.
The 52-year-old has been charged with seven counts of obtaining financial advantage by deception.
Police are aware of similar incidences in recent weeks of elderly and vulnerable people paying hundreds of dollars for street number painting and other basic housework throughout the ACT.
Police will be conducting further enquiries in relation to these matters but urge people to exercise care and caution with people who make unsolicited offers for similar services.
Anyone who has information in relation to people requesting money to paint street numbers or similar services, should report it to Police by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously.
Media enquiries
Police Media — (02) 6264 9460, act-police-media@afp.gov.au