Suspects accused of scamming Aussies of $261,000 through fake shopping sites

Shoppers in central Brisbane. Two people living in Brisbane allegedly obtained money from more than 200 people across Australia on fake shopping websites. Photo / AAP file

By Shae McDonald

Queensland police have charged two Latvians accused of scamming A$250,000 ($261,000) from Australians through fake shopping websites.

A 27-year-old man and 25-year-old woman living in Brisbane allegedly obtained money from more than 200 people across Australia who believed they were buying outdoor furniture, barbeques, marine motors and fitness equipment.

The victims were asked to provide their credit card details but were offered an additional discount if they paid by bank transfer.

They then received invoices that contained a delivery date for their items, which never arrived.

It is alleged when people tried to contact the businesses their emails were ignored and the phone numbers were disconnected.

The pair were arrested as part of Operation Papa Caffeine, which was launched after an increase in fake trading websites was detected through the Australian Cyber Online Reporting Network.

More than 200 people were allegedly defrauded of more than A$252,000 through 28 fake shopping websites.

The 27-year-old man was charged with more than 30 counts of fraud and one count of money laundering.

The 25-year-old woman was charged with just under 30 counts of fraud and a one count of money laundering. They were to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court.

- AAP