NT Police are investigating after two Darwin businesses were scammed out of more than $1m
Cyber criminals have scammed two businesses out of $1m, Northern Territory Police confirm. Here’s how the crafty thieves nabbed the cash.
Northern Territory
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Two Top End businesses have fallen prey to email scams, losing over a million dollars between them.
A building company based in Darwin was the first to fall foul of the business email compromise scam on September 13.
Over $550,000 was transferred to a fraudulent bank account and remains missing.
On October 20, another business was hit by the business email compromise scam in which over $530,000 was transferred to a fraudulent bank account.
Detectives from the Cybercrime Unit are investigating both incidents, with the money still missing.
Police believe the cases are not related.
Senior Constable Nadine Caulfield said people needed to be aware of the risks while online to help avoid scams.
“Emails are an integral part of our personal and professional business. We need to be aware of the risks and take steps to be safe while online,” she said.
“Scammers can be very good at impersonating accounts and addresses.
“If you are planning on transferring a large amount of money online, police recommend contacting the recipient directly in order to confirm payment details.
“This is a warning that online offenders continue to target the Northern Territory community.
“If you fall victim to online crime, we encourage you to report it to police through cyber.gov.au or for more information to protect yourself online, visit becybersmart.nt.gov.au.”
Teen arrested after Darwin business allegedly ram-raided
Police have arrested a 15-year-old youth, and are on the hunt for another person after an alleged ram-raid on a business in a Darwin suburb.
At 4.50am on Sunday, two people are alleged to have driven a white Mitsubishi into a business on Charlton Ct in Woolner.
Police said the alleged offenders stole a quantity of electrical equipment..
Detectives from Strike Force Trident identified the 15-year-old from CCTV at the location.
By 7.20pm, detectives were able to locate the youth and made the arrest, with assistance from general duties officers.
The teen has since been charged with damage to property, aggravated unlawful entry, stealing and two counts of breaching bail.
He was remanded to appear in court on Tuesday.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Bland confirmed police were still searching for the other offender.
“Investigations to identify the remaining offender are ongoing,” Senior Sergeant Bland said.
“And we are requesting anyone with information to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference 10166157.
“You can make an anonymous report through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
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Originally published as NT Police are investigating after two Darwin businesses were scammed out of more than $1m
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