An extensive fraud investigation was launched when a woman spotted the wedding dress she had taken for dry cleaning being sold to another bride on social media.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
A six-month investigation found the woman was one of 70 people who reported having a fraudulent encounter with the bridal company based in Cairns between January 2019 and July 2023.
Police believe the bridal company was also taking money for unfulfilled orders and claiming counterfeit dresses were designer label.
A 53-year-old woman was charged with 70 counts of fraud after police searched her Beaudesert home on January 2, 2024.
Police also searched properties in Edmonton, Cairns North and Smithfield, where officers seized electronic devices, documents and replica wedding gowns.
The Beaudesert woman is scheduled to face Cairns Magistrates Court on January 30.
Police believe more information will emerge as the investigation continues and urge anyone affected by the alleged scam to report their experience.
"There may be more victims yet to contact police, if you have any information about suspected fraudulent businesses, please report it to Policelink," detective acting senior sergeant Matt Hogan said.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Anna Houlahan
Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au
