How did the scammers target elderly women in NSW?

The men allegedly approached elderly women in shopping centre car parks, claiming issues with their vehicles, then stole valuables while the victims were distracted.

What charges do the two Romanian men face?

The two men face 72 charges each, including fraud, theft, and entering a vehicle without consent.

Where did the alleged car park scams occur in NSW?

The alleged thefts took place in Newcastle, Wagga Wagga, and various Sydney suburbs.

Home / Crime and Justice / Elderly Scammers Nabbed: $50k Stolen from Seniors

Elderly Scammers Nabbed: $50k Stolen from Seniors

8 Jan

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Summary

Two men charged with defrauding 18 elderly women.
Scammers allegedly stole over $50,000 in NSW.
The accused are from Romania and entered on tourist visas.

Elderly Scammers Nabbed: $50k Stolen from Seniors

Two men have been charged in New South Wales for allegedly scamming 18 elderly women out of more than $50,000. The arrests followed an investigation into thefts occurring between January 3 and January 7, spanning locations including Newcastle, Wagga Wagga, and Sydney suburbs.

Police allege the pair posed as helpful strangers, approaching victims in car parks and fabricating car issues to distract them. While a victim was inspecting their vehicle's bonnet, an accomplice would allegedly steal wallets, cash, and other valuables from inside. The men are accused of exploiting the victims' trust and concern for their vehicles.

The accused, aged 37 and 57, are reportedly from Romania and had been in Australia on tourist visas since December 28. They face a combined 72 charges for fraud, theft, and unauthorized entry into a vehicle. Both have been denied bail and were scheduled to appear in court on January 8, 2026.