Two men, woman charged with fraud, stealing offences after allegedly fleecing thousands from elderly shoppers

The trio have been charged with fraud and theft for allegedly kidnapping elderly victims using wallet dropping scams at multiple shopping malls in Queensland.

The elderly victims, aged between 70 and 94, who used ATM machines or paid for shopping in Queensland shopping centres, were the main targets of three of the widespread fraud rings, Queensland Police said in a statement.

It is alleged that several people were targeted in the suburbs of Kenmore, Chermside, Strathpine, North Lakes, Buddina, Caloundra and Laidley.

Police allege that after selecting an unsuspecting victim, they distracted elderly shoppers by claiming they had dropped their wallets.

The alleged thieves would flee with their victims’ cards as soon as they were caught off guard.

Detectives arrested two Romanian men, ages 49 and 42, and a 29-year-old Romanian woman at a unit complex in Eight Mile Plains on Saturday.

Another $20,000 was seized from the property.

The 49-year-old man and the 29-year-old woman were charged with multiple counts of fraud and theft and appeared in a Brisbane court on Saturday. Both were refused bail.

The remaining 42-year-old man was charged with only one count of theft and was granted bail and appeared at Southport court in early April.

More arrests are expected as investigations continue, with fraudulent thefts likely to spread to other states including NSW and Victoria.

Police are issuing a strict warning to community members to monitor their finances and be aware of their surroundings when using ATM machines.

Detective Acting Detective Jim Fenton of the Financial and Cyber ​​Crime Group said victims of fraudulent theft in the community were also asked to come forward and speak to police.

Detective Acting Inspector Fenton said: “I would encourage anyone who notices fraudulent transactions on their account to immediately report it to their financial institution, then report the matter to the police and get any personal support you may need.”