Aaron Bunch Journalist with Australian Associated Press | Collection of published work | + 61 484 008 119 | abunch@aap.com.au
Home repair scam targets elderly Qlders
Two men accused of defrauding elderly Queenslanders via a home maintenance scam will front court after being charged with fraud, forgery and theft offences.
January 11, 2019
Two unlicensed tradies accused of ripping off elderly Queenslanders via a home maintenance scam have been nabbed for fraud, forgery and theft offences.
The men in their 20s are alleged to have defrauded more than 40 seniors across the south-east of the state in the past three years.
The victims were conned into unnecessary work, such as house painting, pest control, driveway cleaning and roof repairs, police said on Friday.
“The men targeted elderly members of the community, particularly those living alone,” a spokesman said in a statement.
It will be further alleged the men were not licensed to perform the work, grossly overcharged, didn’t complete projects they’d been paid for and acted dishonestly by altering cheques.
The pair are believed to have been active in the Gympie, Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay and Brisbane.
A 28-year-old from Mount Pritchard in NSW has been charged with three counts of fraud and one count each of forgery, unlicensed driving and utter (forge bank cheque).
A 25-year-old from Thomastown in Victoria has been charged with four counts of fraud, two counts of receiving tainted property and one of stealing.
Both men have been remanded in custody and are due to appear in the Gympie Magistrates Court on February 4.