Immigration detainee accused of stealing $3000 from couple's PayPal account
A couple have been robbed of $3000 allegedly by an immigration detainee accused of hacking into their PayPal account.
Denese and Cameron Hall first grew suspicious after receiving a notification from Australia Post that the last of three deliveries – not ordered by them – from electrical goods website Kogan had been delivered.
A check of their Kogan account showed someone had enjoyed a $3000 spending spree on goods including a car display device, drone, laptop and reversing camera.
Further investigating from the couple revealed the culprit had managed to send the items to the Perth Immigration Detention Centre at Perth Airport.
“I don’t understand how it can happen, we didn’t have the two-system security but to be honest I had never heard about it until this happened,” Ms Hall told Yahoo News Australia.
“I was always led to believe that PayPal was the safest option.”
She said they struggled to comprehend how someone would have the resources required to be able to pull off such a stunt while being held in detention.
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“Has the world gone crazy? And even more why were we only notified by Australia Post about the third delivery?,” she questioned.
Ms Hall was also puzzled at why someone would sign for the questionable packages on their delivery to the detention centre.
Despite the obvious severity of the accusations levelled at PayPal, it initially denied the couple a refund and claimed the transactions were “legitimate”.
Having become increasingly frustrated at the lack of assistance they were offered, the couple travelled to the detention centre themselves to see if they could find the mysterious packages.
They say when they arrived there was a package being held behind reception addressed to Mr Hall but to the “care of” the suspect detainee.
Staff confirmed to them that days earlier another package was received with the same address details, with both having apparently being held in the individual’s personal property box at the centre.
The couple were told police would be contacted to collect the items, however they have yet to hear more on this process.
WA Police directed Yahoo News Australia’s enquiry to Border Force, which confirmed it was investigating details surrounding the incident.
Following a Yahoo News Australia enquiry, PayPal contacted Mr and Mrs Hall to apologise and offer them a full refund.
“They have apologised for the upset it has caused. We should have our money back within 72 hours,” Ms Hall said on Wednesday.
“But I would still like to know how it could happen and how a detainee could do this. I want to make sure he is stripped of the goods and I would love to see them donated to the bushfire victims.”
A PayPal spokesperson confirmed to Yahoo News Australia that a refund had been offered.
“Thank you for bringing this to our attention. PayPal can confirm that a refund has been issued to this customer,” they said.
“In general, PayPal recommends customers regularly change their passwords, ensure passwords are strong and not to use the same password as on other accounts.
“PayPal also recommends customers protect their devices from malware, viruses and spyware to avoid having their personal information compromised and potentially used by others.
If you are concerned your PayPal account has been breached, change your password immediately and call 1800 073 263, PayPal advised.
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