Frank Mynard pleads not guilty to scamming would-be renters in alleged Facebook scam
A Mt Waverley pensioner has been accused of stealing more than $12k in an alleged Facebook scam.
South East
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
A Mt Waverley man has been accused of swindling more than $12,000 from would-be renters and a Queensland business through a Facebook scam.
Frank Mynard, 71, fronted Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on March 28, facing charges including knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime and recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime.
Police allege the pensioner duped a would-be renter and a Queensland cattle grazing business out of thousands through hacking and Facebook scams.
Investigating officers first interviewed Mr Mynard on March 11 in 2021 regarding unusual activity in his bank account.
In documents seen by the Herald Sun, Mr Mynard claimed he had been contacted by a stranger purporting to be a US soldier stationed in Nigeria via WhatsApp.
The contact resulted in the two going into an alleged partnership, where the soldier would use Mr Mynard’s account to import Chinese cars.
Mr Mynard said he provided access to a Commonwealth Bank account, but eventually opened an account with HSBC due to the difficulties in receiving international transfers.
Mr Mynard claimed he only knew of three transactions and kept $2000 of the money to purchase new glasses.
After issues with the HSBC account, the bank removed his ability to use internet banking.
On September 28 in 2021, police allege an unknown person hacked into a Queensland cattle grazing business’ account transferring $10,000 into Mr Mynard’s account.
Police say Mr Mynard again dealt with proceeds of crime by receiving $2700 into his account on October 31 in 2022, under the guise of renting out a property in Queensland.
It’s alleged the victim saw a Facebook listing and contacted the given address.
Mr Mynard’s details were allegedly shared with the alleged victim, for him to transfer an amount of $2700 upfront.
The alleged victim made the transfer on October 31 and attended the alleged rental property the following day, finding it already lived in.
The alleged victim reported the incident to police on November 2 and made attempts to communicate with the fake email address, but went ignored.
In April 2023, Westpac provided investigators with account details for where the alleged victim transferred the missing $2700, which was Mr Mynard’s account.
In Moorabbin on March 28, Mr Mynard entered a plea of not guilty to all charges.
He will return to court on June 21 for a contest mention.
