Braddon man to face court on multiple fraud charges

A 52-year-old Braddon man will face the ACT Magistrates Court on Friday on multiple fraud charges.

On Thursday, ACT Policing executed a search warrant at a building in the suburb, where the man was arrested.

Police will allege the man developed trust with his victim, a Canberra woman, after offering to paint street numbers on the driveway of the her house. Police say he told his victim of fictitious health difficulties of his children, and himself, and their requirement for ongoing medical care.

Between September 2016 and August 2017 the woman gave the man almost $100,000.

The man has been charged with seven counts of obtaining financial advantage by deception.

Police say they are aware of similar incidences in recent weeks of elderly and vulnerable people paying hundreds of dollars for street number painting and other basic housework throughout the ACT.

Police will be conducting further enquiries in relation to these matters but urge people to exercise care and caution with people who make unsolicited offers for similar services.

Anyone who has information in relation to people requesting money to paint street numbers or similar services, should report it to police by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously.