Coffs Harbour man charged after Sydney law firm allegedly duped by email scam

A Coffs Harbour man has faced court after a Sydney law firm allegedly lost almost $710,000 in an email scam. Here’s what we know.

Anthony Gerard Kent leaves Coffs Harbour Local Court on March 15. He has been charged with knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime.

A Coffs Harbour man has faced court after a Sydney law firm allegedly fell foul of a costly email scam.

Anthony Gerard Kent, 58, was self represented when he appeared in Coffs Harbour Local Court on Tuesday morning, dressed simply and carrying a Woolworths shopping bag.

Kent has been charged with knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime.

He told the court he planned to seek legal aid.

Magistrate Theresa Hamilton said the amount in question was “substantial”.

She adjourned the case to April 11.

Police in Coffs Harbour. Picture: NSW Police

NSW Police state the State Crime Command’s Cybercrime Squad received reports the law firm had been subject to a business email compromise scam (BEC) in May last year.

Strike Force Madeleine was established to investigate the report.

Anthony Gerard Kent leaves Coffs Harbour Local Court this morning.

Inquiries revealed an employee of the Sydney business unknowingly transferred funds electronically into a fraudulent account.

It’s alleged that investigators then discovered an email address of a paralegal at the firm had been compromised and was used to source an invoice and alter banking details.

Police action in Coffs Harbour. Picture: NSW Police

Detectives arrested Kent at a Toormina, Coffs Harbour home on February 23.

He was charged and police said it would be alleged in court he was the recipient of the stolen funds and dealt with proceeds of crime to the value of $709,198.

Kent was granted conditional bail to appear before the court.

Police will allege in court Kent dealt with the proceeds of crime to the value of $709,198. Picture: NSW Police

Speaking generally, Cybercrime Squad Commander Matthew Craft said it was imperative individuals and businesses remained alert when conducting transactions online.

“These scams are costing hard working Australian businesses and individuals millions of dollars every year, and the attempts of scammers to obtain personal details and money are getting increasingly sophisticated,” he said.

“Educate yourself on what BEC scams are, and ensure you question the legitimacy of payment requests, including the originating email address, URL and spelling used in correspondence.

“We would encourage businesses to ensure their electronic payment practices are stringent and implement internal controls such as two-person verification and standard operating procedures to follow, to protect against business email compromises.

“If you do get scammed, early reporting is critical. Don’t delay in notifying your employer, financial institutions and police as soon as practicable.”

Anyone with information about online frauds or BEC scams should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.