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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Royce Kurmelovs

Police hunt alleged $8.7m Melbourne property swindler and warn of ‘pig butchering’ scams

A woman about to touch a heart icon on a smartphone screen in an online dating ap
Police are urging Australians to be vigilant in the lead-up to Valentine’s Day, with some scammers seeking to exploit those who find themselves lonely or isolated. Photograph: oatawa/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Law enforcement agencies are on the hunt for a man accused of stealing millions from property market investors as police warn Australians to be on guard against “pig butchering” scams before Valentine’s Day.

A Victorian man is alleged to have fleeced wannabe property market investors of $8.7m by claiming to be a developer who offers to help people demolish their homes and build townhouses in their place.

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