POLICE are urging business owners to be vigilant after receiving numerous complaints regarding a series of alleged credit card and forged bank transfer frauds targeting retailers including Malaga.

Between May and August 2025, a 24-year-old Eglinton man allegedly defrauded furniture stores in Malaga, Osborne Park, Wangara, and North Perth.

Midland Detectives executed three search warrants in Eglinton and Willetton on August 26 with assistance from the gang crime squad.

As a result of those searches, police will allege over $16,000 of fraudulently obtained property was located and seized.

Midland Detective Liam Mallinson said scams using stolen credit cards details can be extremely sophisticated.

“Retailers can face crippling costs when it comes to unauthorised purchases made with stolen cards,” he said.

“While businesses can be a primary target, this is a timely reminder for the whole community.

“Preventing crime in the first place is our goal, so make sure you follow the guidelines and do all the appropriate checks when it comes to making or accepting payments via telephone.

“We urge everyone to take precautions to avoid becoming a victim of fraud.”

The Eglinton man has been charged with four counts of cause a detriment to a person by fraud, and a count of possession of stolen or unlawfully property and fail to obey order given by officer.

For more advice and information on how to protect from scams, the Scamwatch website provides insights into methods scammers use.

According to Scamwatch, in 2025 Australia has had 90,108 reported scams with more than $147m in reported losses.

The top scams by loss were investment, phishing and romance scams.

Top methods of contact included text messages and phone calls but emails accounted for more than double that of the previous categories with 40,725 scams reportedly received through email.

Scams may be reported on Scamwatch and made anonymously or on behalf of another person with quick action being recommended.

Online scams may be reoorted to cyber.gov.au and to the WA Police on 131 444.