Victoria police are looking for a man of Indian appearance who allegedly impersonated AFP to steal money.
Police are investigating after a woman had her life savings fraudulently stolen by hoax callers last month.
“Investigators have been told the 27-year-old woman, an international student, was contacted by a man claiming to be from Australian Federal Police on 16 August,” said the police in a statement.
According to the police, a man of Indian appearance “claimed she had a number of credit card debts that if not paid would affect her visa status and any future plans involving overseas travel.”
“While the victim was on the line, the call was transferred a number of times until a female voice answered and gave the victim instructions on what to do.”
The woman was “told to withdraw $20,000 from her bank and take the money to the Princes Gardens on Chapel Street in Prahran where she would be meet by an AFP officer.”
Police says at the park, the woman handed over the $20,000 in cash to a man but was told she still owed another $20,000.
“The victim explained that she only had $18,300 left in her account, following which the man told her that she only had to pay $18,000 and she could keep the $300,” reads the statement released by the police.
“The victim went back to the bank and withdrew the balance of her account. She then went back to the park and handed over the money to the same man she had met up with earlier.”
The woman contacted the police after questioning the legitimacy of the transaction of cash.
“The man that took the money is perceived to be of Indian appearance, approximately 178cm tall with dark coloured hair, a beard, big eyes and a thin build,” says the police adding that the investigators have released an image and CCTV footage of a man they believe will be able to assist with their enquiries.
Anyone who recognises the man is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
