Police are hunting for a female who managed to rip off two ladies by conning them into paying a bond deposit on an apartment she deceivingly advertised on the internet for rental.
On Friday the 2nd of December, 2011, the two friends replied to an advertised rental on the internet. Interested in the apartment the ladies made arrangements to meet with the female who had placed the advertisement. Arriving at the Newcastle Street property the next day, the female who spoke with a Finish accent introduced herself as Mia Wielin. The ladies where shown around the apartment by the female, who requested a $900 bond from each of them. Pleased with the viewing the ladies accepted the agreement and arranged to met on Monday the 5th of December, 2011 to hand over the bond money and receive keys to the apartment.
On Monday the 5th December, 2011, the ladies again met with “Mia” and handed over 9 x $100 notes to her. They were asked to sign a bond contract in exchange for a key. Unfortunately for the two ladies when they attended the property the next day at 10.30am to their astonishment the apartment was empty. Several attempts to reach “Mia” proved fruitless and further investigations revealed “Mia” was only renting the apartment for 4 days with no authority to rent out any rooms. Fortunately only one of the ladies had their bond money on them at the time otherwise both would have been out of pocket $900.
Police were contacted and it is believed this is not the first time this female has used the same fraudulent tactics to gain money from innocent people. On occasions she has also been sighted in company with a male.
Police have released images of a female and male who they believe can assist them with their inquiries.
The female is described as:
- 23 years
- Slim build
- Blonde hair
- Fair complexion
- Speaks with a Finish accent or similar.
The male is described as:
- Aged mid 20’s to early 30’s
- Athletic muscular build
- Tanned complexion
- Bald head.
If you know the identity of this male or female or have information about this offence make a report online or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, where all calls are strictly confidential, and rewards are offered. Please quote Reference Number 5822.