'Distraction fraud' warning
Older shoppers need to be vigilant as criminals operate in crowded areas.
A recent court case in New South Wales highlights a growing scam that is targeting seniors across Australia.
A Romanian man, Vasile Bombonel, was sentenced to jail in late May 2026 for his role in a coordinated “distraction fraud” operation targeting older shoppers.
The 38‑year‑old pleaded guilty to 25 offences involving 13 victims aged between 55 and 90, after a crime spree across shopping centres in Sydney, the Illawarra, and regional NSW.
Court documents revealed the scam involved approaching elderly shoppers in car parks or supermarkets and creating a distraction.
In some cases, victims were told they had dropped money; in others, they were jostled or engaged in conversation. While the victim’s attention was diverted, an accomplice would steal their bank cards.
The stolen cards were then quickly used to withdraw cash or make purchases. In total, more than $27,000 was taken from victims in just a few weeks.
This case should serve as a clear warning: scams are becoming increasingly organised and sophisticated, and are targeting older Australians in everyday settings such as supermarkets and car parks.
How to protect yourself
National Seniors Australia (NSA) advises a simple but powerful approach to avoiding scams: Stop, Check, Reject.
Stop: If something feels unusual or rushed, pause. Scammers rely on creating urgency or confusion.
Check: Verify what’s happening. Ask someone you trust or contact the organisation directly.
Reject: If unsure, walk away, hang up, or block contact.
In physical situations such as the supermarket scam, the same principles apply:
Be cautious if approached by strangers offering help or pointing out “lost” money.
Keep your handbag, wallet, and cards secure at all times.
Shield your PIN and never share it.
Be especially alert in busy streets, car parks, or checkout areas where distractions are easier to create.
What to do if something happens
If your card or details are compromised, act immediately:
Contact your bank to cancel your cards or accounts.
Report the incident to Scamwatch.
Write down details that may help authorities, such as descriptions or locations.
Learn more
NSA offers helpful resources and a free guide on recognising and avoiding scams. You can access them at our Scam Awareness Hub here.
Staying informed and alert is the best defence. As this case shows, scams can happen anywhere – but with awareness and caution, you can significantly reduce your risk.
Related reading: ABC
Image sourced from Canva, used in accordance with Canva’s Content Licensing Agreement.
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