A Charters Towers man has pleaded guilty to fraud after scamming victims on social media platforms Facebook and Snapchat, defrauding them of thousands of dollars.
Details of the Scam
Matthew John Foster, 34, appeared in the Townsville District Court on Monday, where he pleaded guilty to multiple counts of fraud. The court heard that between January and June 2023, Foster used fake profiles on Facebook and Snapchat to befriend victims, gain their trust, and then request money for fabricated emergencies.
Foster would often claim he needed funds for medical expenses, car repairs, or to pay bills, promising to repay the money. However, he never returned the funds and instead used them for personal expenses, including gambling and shopping.
Victims and Financial Loss
The court was told that Foster targeted at least 10 victims, with total losses exceeding $50,000. Many victims were vulnerable individuals, including single parents and elderly people, who were left financially devastated. One victim, a 45-year-old woman, lost over $15,000 after Foster convinced her he needed money for urgent surgery.
Another victim, a 62-year-old retiree, gave Foster $8,000 after he claimed his car had broken down and he needed to get to work. The retiree later discovered Foster had spent the money on online gambling.
Arrest and Guilty Plea
Foster was arrested in July 2023 after police traced the fraudulent transactions. During the investigation, police seized electronic devices containing evidence of the scams, including messages and financial records. Foster initially denied the allegations but later pleaded guilty to 12 charges of fraud.
His lawyer, Sarah Thompson, told the court that Foster had a gambling addiction and was deeply remorseful for his actions. She said he had sought treatment for his addiction and was willing to repay the victims.
Sentencing and Community Warning
Judge Michael O'Brien adjourned the sentencing to a later date to allow for a pre-sentence report. He warned Foster that he faced a significant prison term due to the seriousness of the offenses and the impact on victims.
Detective Senior Constable Lisa Brown, who led the investigation, urged the public to be cautious when interacting with strangers online. "Never send money to someone you haven't met in person, and always verify their identity," she said. "If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is."
The case has highlighted the growing issue of social media scams in regional Queensland, with authorities urging residents to report suspicious activity.
