Tungamull woman allegedly defrauds elderly people close to $1m

Police have charged a Qld woman who allegedly spent five years secretly draining almost $1m from two elderly people’s bank accounts.

A woman has been charged after allegedly draining huge amounts of money from the bank accounts of two elderly victims. Picture: QPS

Rockhampton detectives have charged a 55-year-old woman with allegedly using two innocent elderly people’s bank accounts to take close to $1m.

Police will allege between January 2020 and September 2025, the woman took over the financial accounts of two elderly people who were known to her.

She is not related to the victims but knew them for some years before the alleged offending started.

Police will allege the woman fraudulently used the victims’ bank accounts for her own benefit over the five-year period.

Family members notified police in June 2025 after observing irregularities in the elderly victims’ accounts.

On Wednesday, detectives charged the Tungamull woman with two counts of fraud exceeding $100,000.

She is due to appear before Rockhampton Magistrates Court on 7 October.

Detective Senior Sergeant Kevin Mawdsley from the Rockhampton Criminal Investigation Branch spoke about the alleged fraud of two elderly people.

Detective Senior Sergeant Kevin Mawdsley from the Rockhampton Criminal Investigation Branch said this had been devastating for the families of the victim.

“This is a very sad situation, and unfortunately, there are likely more offenders like this operating in the community unbeknown to the victim, or the victim’s family,” he said.

“Please take the time to discuss things with your family and ensure you are receiving appropriate advice from legitimate organisations or professional financial advisers.

“The Queensland Government has an Elder Abuse Helpline and free seniors legal services which can offer support to elderly people.”

If you or someone you know has been a victim of a similar offence, please contact police.

For more information, people can visit:

https://www.qld.gov.au/seniors/safety-protection/discrimination-abuse/elder-abuse/support-services

https://www.police.qld.gov.au/safety-and-preventing-crime/personal-safety/seniors-safety

People can report information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.