A recent email scam targeting an elderly resident of Cromer has prompted police to call for greater community awareness to help protect vulnerable members of society, particularly seniors.
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Last April, an elderly man from Cromer received an email that appeared to come from PayPal. The message claimed to be investigating a fraudulent transaction and directed him to follow steps to close his account. Believing the email was genuine, the man followed the instructions and unknowingly provided scammers with his personal and financial information.
Soon after, over $1,600 in unauthorised transactions were made in Indonesia using his details. Both the man’s bank and local authorities are investigating, but the international nature of the fraud is expected to make recovering the money difficult.
The incident has raised concerns across the Northern Beaches, especially in the Cromer community. Police are encouraging residents to talk with older family members, neighbours, and friends about the risks of online and phone scams.
Seniors are often targeted by scammers who use familiar branding and urgent language to create a sense of panic or trust. Without awareness of these tactics, victims may act quickly and lose money before realising the threat.
Another scam reported the same week involved a woman in nearby Beacon Hill, who was deceived by someone posing as a federal police officer. She was persuaded to withdraw and post $6,000 in cash to an address in South West Sydney. Like the Cromer case, the chances of recovering the funds are low.
Authorities continue to investigate both incidents and are pursuing strong leads. In the meantime, the community is being urged to remain cautious and report suspicious messages or calls.
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Tips to Stay Safe from Email Scams
- Be cautious with emails or texts that request personal or financial information.
- Do not click on suspicious links or follow instructions from unknown senders.
- Contact companies directly using official websites or phone numbers to verify communications.
- Encourage open conversations about scams, especially with older relatives and friends.
- Report scams to the Australian Cyber Security Centre at www.cyber.gov.au or contact local police.
For Cromer residents, the case is a timely reminder of the need for community support and shared vigilance in protecting those most at risk.
Published 30-May-2025