Man charged over massive grocery refund scam

A MAN has finally been busted after allegedly scamming supermarkets out of a whopping $44,000.

The 34-year-old is accused of stealing bags of coffee and nicotine replacement gum before “returning” them to grocery stores in Shellharbour, Dapto, Warrawong, Wollongong and Oatley for a cash refund.

“Police allege the man stole more than 500 bags of coffee, nicotine replacement gum and other items to facilitate the fraudulent transactions,” NSW Police said in a statement on Thursday.

It’s understood the transactions and thefts amounted to a loss of more than $44,000 for the targeted supermarkets.

The suspicious activity was reported to police, who then launched an investigation under the Anti-Theft and Tech Crime Unit.

Following inquiries, the man was yesterday charged with 53 counts of dishonestly obtain property by deception and larceny and issued a Future Court Attendance Notice.

He was granted conditional bail and is due to face Port Kembla Local Court on 15 January 2020.