Victoria Police are still yet to lay any charges almost 12 months on from an infamous scam which threatened to strip Ballarat Health Services of more than $2 million.
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The scam occurred in July last year when a call was made to the BHS financial department by someone pretending to be from a major Ballarat construction company.
The scammers then stated BHS had an outstanding account with the company in relation to works at the hospital which was reported at $2.7 million, which was subsequently paid.
In a statement released last year, BHS chief executive Dale Fraser said the figure was “significantly overstated”, but did not offer a revised sum.
Victoria Police confirmed on Thursday an investigation into the scam was still ongoing and as yet nobody had been charged. Victoria Police declined to make any further comment on the investigation.
In a written statement, Health Minister Jill Hennessey said while the government was continuing to offer support to BHS, scams such as that involving BHS were not uncommon throughout Victoria.
“Each year, hundreds of Victorians and Victorian businesses and organisations fall victim to fraudulent activities such as money transfer and phishing scams,” the statement said.
“Victoria Police and Interpol are investigating the case, and separately, the matter has also been referred to the Victorian Auditor-General for further investigation.”
The Health Department was able to recoup all of the losses through insurance, meaning patients of BHS were not affected by the scam.
Consulting firm Ernst & Young have since conducted an independent review of the processes at BHS and to ensure such a fraud could not occur again.
While the review found employees had followed due process, a number of recommendations were made to strengthen the organisation’s security.
The organisation has also been provided with additional resources to become more vigilant online.
“At every step of the way appropriate and swift actions have been taken by the government and the Health Service,” the statement from Ms Hennessey said.
“I have full confidence in Victoria Police and Interpol to bring the full weight of the law against those responsible for this fraud.”
BHS declined to make any further comment.
