The Herald Sun reported that Werden placed public advertisements using fictitious company names offering low-interest refinancing to people who wanted to borrow money against their home.

His victims handed over personal and banking details that were used, along with fake identities and falsified documents, to approach banks for mortgage loans. He then withdrew the money from ATMs around Melbourne.

Folklaw reckons Werden’s training as a lawyer could be why he was such a meticulous con artist. Described by prosecutors as “highly intelligent”, Werden managed to convince his victims that he was a mortgage broker, solicitor, conveyancer and real estate agent by adopting disguises and even a woman’s voice.

Meanwhile, in Sydney, another lawyer faces jail for defrauding his Greek clients to the tune of $1.9 million.

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Solicitor James Dimitrious pleaded guilty to 16 fraud-related charges involving eight clients. The court heard earlier this month that the now suspended lawyer fraudulently moved client money, of which about half was never refunded, to the trust account of his practice, reported the Sydney Morning Herald.

The Law Society’s fidelity fund, which compensates people who suffer losses arising from dishonest acts of associates of law practices relating to trust money or property, paid $1.136 million to Dimitrious’ clients.

Folklaw only hopes this sort of behaviour won’t be a recurring theme of the festive season...