A 55-year-old woman from Tungamull has been charged after allegedly defrauding two elderly people of almost $1 million over a five-year period.
Queensland Police allege the woman gained control of the financial accounts of two people in their 80s, who were known to her, between January 2020 and September 2025. One of the alleged victims has since passed away.
Police say the woman was not related to the pair but had known them for some years before the alleged offending began.
“It will be alleged the woman fraudulently used the victims’ bank accounts for her own benefit over the five-year period,” a police spokesperson said.
Family members reportedly noticed irregularities in the accounts in June this year and alerted police. Following an investigation, detectives arrested the woman on Wednesday and charged her with two counts of fraud exceeding $100,000. She was later released on strict bail conditions.
Detective Senior Sergeant Kevin Mawdsley from the Rockhampton Criminal Investigation Branch described the case as a “very sad situation” that had left the families devastated.
He said investigators would allege the woman built trust with the victims by offering assistance with daily activities, which allowed her to access their finances.
“This is a very sad situation, and unfortunately, there are likely more alleged offenders like this operating in the community unbeknown to the victim, or the victim’s family,” he said.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mawdsley urged families to remain vigilant and to openly discuss financial matters with their loved ones.
“Please take the time to discuss things with your family and ensure you are receiving appropriate advice from legitimate organisations or professional financial advisers,” he said.
Police are calling on other families who suspect they may have been victims of fraud to come forward.
The woman is due to appear in Rockhampton Magistrates Court in October.
