Alleged superannuation fraudster Matthew Foreman fronts court

Further details have emerged about a “vulnerable community member” allegedly having more than $300,000 drained from his superannuation account.

Matthew Foreman outside Port Kembla Local Court on Wednesday. Picture: Dylan Arvela

The identity of a Lake Illawarra man who allegedly defrauded more than $300,000 from an elderly Kanahooka man earlier this year can be revealed.

Matthew James Foreman, 40, is charged with seven offences, including four counts of dealing with identity information to commit an indictable offence and three counts of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception.

Foreman, who was self-represented at Port Kembla Local Court on Wednesday, opted not to enter a plea with the matter adjourned until December for him to seek legal advice.

Documents tendered in court stated Foreman carried out the alleged money crimes in March and April this year.

The most serious allegation stems from April 11, when police say Foreman funnelled $330,841.93 out of a 76-year-old man’s Australian Super account.

Court documents stated three days later, Foreman allegedly forged the same man’s signature, which he later used to obtain $4932.60.

Foreman was arrested by officers attached to the Lake Illawarra Police District earlier this month following an extensive investigation.

Matthew Foreman is charged with seven money crimes. Picture: Dylan Arvela

After the arrest, Lake Illawarra Police Area Command’s Crime Manager, Detective Chief Inspector Brad Ainsworth, characterised the alleged offending as “opportunistic” and described the victim as a ”vulnerable community member”.

Det Ch Insp Ainsworth added people need to be vigilant about potential scammers.

“After some good police work, we were able to identify the man involved and ensure he will be put before the court,” Det Ch Insp Ainsworth claimed earlier this month.

“If you have doubts about the identity of anyone who claims to represent a business, organisation or government department, contact the body directly.

“Don’t rely on contact details provided by the person – find them through an independent source such as a phone book or online search.

“Never provide your personal or banking details to a person – remember that legitimate businesses don’t just cold-call customers and ask for confidential information.

Foreman remains on bail until his next court appearance.