Police search for scammers in Preston

Police are appealing for public assistance to identify a group of Asian women who allegedly scammed a woman out of $30,000 in Preston.

Police are appealing for public assistance to identify a group of Asian women who allegedly scammed a woman out of $30,000 in Preston.

Police have been told a 66-year-old woman was shopping at the Preston market when she was approached by two women who asked her to help find someone around 11.30am on 21 March.

The victim agreed to follow the pair and was approached by a third woman.

It is alleged the third woman told the victim she had spirits haunting her and that if she did not pay money she would die in three days.

The Preston woman then attended three separate ATM machines and withdrew cash, totalling $30,000.

She also returned home and collected all of her jewellery, handing it over to the trio at the market along with the cash.

Detectives from Darebin Criminal Investigation Unit are investigating the matter after it was reported to police on Wednesday.

Police are also investigating possible links to similar scams in Melbourne’s CBD and eastern suburbs.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au.

Senior Constable Melissa Seach
Media Officer
VP22503/2013