Michael Thomas Cook, alleged fraudster who targeted small businesses, remanded in custody

A Tasmanian man who police allege had been duping businesses out of money by saying his wallet had been locked in his car has been remanded in custody after being charged with 21 dishonesty offences.

A TASMANIAN man who police allege had been duping businesses out of money by saying his wallet had been locked in his car has been remanded in custody after being charged with 21 dishonesty offences.

Michael Thomas Cook did not appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on Thursday morning, where his matters were adjourned to August 23.

He had previously appeared in court on Wednesday morning, where he was refused bail.

Police will allege the man attended several businesses in the greater Cairns region between August 1 and August 3.

Cairns Police Acting Sergeant Dan McEntee said the man was allegedly targeting small businesses with minimal staff and portraying himself as a local resident.

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“Allegedly, he would go in requesting money to pay a mechanic or RACQ to unlock his car and say he’d pay them back when he gets his wallet out,” he said.

Since the man’s arrest on Tuesday, Far North Police have received further reports from victims around the greater Cairns area who were allegedly targeted by Mr Cook.

“If you work at a business and was approached by a man requesting money to assist with locksmith or similar over the past week please contact Policelink on 131 444,” police said in a post on social media.

“The man was known to provide a false name, phone number and military ID number,” the post said.

“He is described as caucasian, medium build, short brown hair and tattoos on both arms.”

Mr Cook has been charged with 16 counts of fraud, four counts of stealing, and one count of attempted fraud.

The charges relate to offences committed from 2014 and extend between Cairns and the Gold Coast.

Originally published as Michael Thomas Cook, alleged fraudster who targeted small businesses, remanded in custody