ECONOMY & WORK
MONEY 101
NEWS
PERSONAL FINANCE
NET WORTH
About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use DMCA Opt-out of personalized ads
© Copyright 2023 Market Realist. Market Realist is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
MARKETREALIST.COM / NEWS

Alleged Wedding Dress Scammer Charged With 70 Counts of Fraud

The six-month-long investigation resulted in the arrest of a 53-year-old woman.
PUBLISHED JAN 18, 2024
Cover Image Source: Scammer charged with 70 counts of fraud | Pexels | By Kindel Media
Cover Image Source: Scammer charged with 70 counts of fraud | Pexels | By Kindel Media

In a shocking revelation that has sent ripples through Queensland, an alleged wedding dress scam has come to light, trapping dozens of unsuspecting brides in its intricate web of deceit. The scheme was exposed when a Cairns woman, having entrusted her custom wedding dress to a bridal company for dry-cleaning, discovered on social media that it had been sold to another person in September 2022.

Police Operation Pexels | By Dom J
Police Operation | Pexels | By Dom J

This incident started a six-month-long police operation, launched by the Queensland authorities in July 2023. As investigators looked more closely at the supposed wedding dress scam, they discovered that it was not as it seemed. The scam, they discovered, was actively taking place in different areas, including Edmonton, Cairns North, and Smithfield.

The Queensland police operation unfolded over six months of intensive investigation that included meticulous efforts to trace the roots of the fraudulent activities. In a series of raids on properties associated with the alleged scam, authorities seized electronic devices, documents, and replica wedding gowns.

The raids, which took place in Edmonton, Cairns North, and Smithfield, aimed to gather conclusive evidence that would unravel the mystery. The seized material is expected to play a crucial role in establishing the extent of the alleged fraud, providing insights into the methods employed by the perpetrators and shedding light on the identities of those involved.

As the investigation went on, the scope of the alleged wedding dress scam became increasingly evident, with around 69 victims stepping forward from various corners of Queensland. The victims, whose complaints ranged from January 2019 to July 2023, collectively painted a picture of a calculated move that preyed on the dreams and expectations of brides-to-be.

Engulfed in the emotional and financial toll inflicted by the scam, brides discovered that their wedding dresses had been used for financial gain. The scale of the operation raises questions about the effectiveness of existing safeguards within the industry and the need for increased vigilance to protect individuals during what should be a joyous and memorable time in their lives.

53-Year-Old Woman Faces 70 Fraud Charges. Pexels | By  Sora Shimazaki
Wedding Dress Scam | Pexels | By Sora Shimazaki

The six-month-long investigation resulted in the arrest of a 53-year-old woman, who now faces charges of 70 counts of fraud. The accused, believed to be the mastermind of the alleged wedding dress scam, will be facing the Cairns Magistrates Court in late January to justify her involvement in the fraudulent scheme. As the legal proceedings begin, the courtroom drama is expected to shed light on the details of the scam, providing a clearer understanding of the motivations and methods employed by those involved.

While the arrest of the accused is the first step towards getting justice, detectives say that it's important to keep the victims involved. Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Matt Hogan requests those who have not come forward to share their experiences.

Authorities encourage the community to remain vigilant against fraudulent activities, not only in the bridal sector but in any industry where unsuspecting individuals may fall prey to scams. To report suspected fraudulent businesses, individuals are requested to contact Policelink to safeguard the community against such ongoings.

MORE ON MARKET REALIST
Making his appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live", Carey shared a few insights from the show.
2 hours ago
The magnificent piece of jewelry from Marcus & Co. carried much more than just emotional value.
3 hours ago
The player also brought his wife on the stage to cheer him as he played for a hefty prize.
8 hours ago
He also displayed the same expertise and ease to bounce back while solving puzzles.
1 day ago
Carey was working with the contestant all along telling him to go higher and lower.
1 day ago
The round features four players bidding for items on the stage; however, not all of them get picked to enter the final games.
1 day ago
The co-founders of Bubbly Blaster made a clean pitch and bagged an easy deal from two Sharks.
1 day ago
The host himself and models on the show have been involved in such gaffes from time to time.
2 days ago
The guest who inherited a Fern Coppedge painting from her grandfather was blown away by its true value.
2 days ago
Harvey has also admitted that he is unable to recall names on his own show.
2 days ago
The comments didn't go down well with the rest of the panel and they didn't hold back.
2 days ago
The statue even triggered a bidding war when it went up for auction at Sotheby's.
2 days ago
The player who made his second appearance on the show did not let his excitement die.
3 days ago
The expert also shared tips on preserving the lampshade's value while transporting it.
3 days ago
Steve Harvey had to ask the contestant twice to make sure he got it right.
3 days ago
The guest who estimated it to be worth $5,000 got the shock of her lifetime.
3 days ago
As George Gray said, those wedding cans would look great hanging off her new car.
4 days ago
White was pitted against two other beautiful women, Summer Bartholomew, who was Miss USA 1975, and model Vicki McCarty, her friend.
4 days ago
The founder also went on to write an opinion piece slamming the shark for her behavior.
4 days ago
The pastor covered his mic and whispered something in Harvey's ear, making him awkward.
4 days ago