A man is facing 87 charges over an advertising investment scam that duped a Melbourne pensioner.
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The 29-year-old man from Mill Park allegedly convinced the pensioner, aged in his 70s, to invest in a bogus online marketing advertisement.
The pensioner handed over large amounts of money between 2013 and 2014.
The alleged scammer has been charged with 87 offences and will face Melbourne Magistrates Court on May 21.
Detective Senior Constable Ben Hodson from the Latrobe criminal investigation unit urged people to be cautious if they are approached online.
"If an offer seems too good to be true that's often because it is," he said.
"Often people will seek out elderly or vulnerable people and will try to manipulate them into giving away large sums of money in return for promised goods or profits.
"Do not give out any personal or bank details to anyone online, and be cautious and protective of your assets. If something seems suspicious then you should always report it to police."
Online scams can be reported to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission via www.scamwatch.gov.au.
Anyone with information can also contact Crime Stoppers on 1300 888 000.
