In a case that echoes a notorious past, Gold Coast mother Helen Dimitrijevski and her daughter Sophie are under police scrutiny for allegedly orchestrating a sophisticated dating scam. Nearly three decades after Helen’s initial arrest for similar activities, authorities claim she has resumed her fraudulent practices, this time with her daughter as an accomplice.
The allegations surfaced after victims, including Toowoomba resident Lex, reported losing substantial sums of money. Lex, who was seeking companionship, found himself ensnared in the duo’s deceitful web, ultimately losing $42,000. “It was very well put together, very well, and I wasn’t the only goose,” Lex shared with A Current Affair.
The Scheme Unfolds
Lex’s ordeal began with a seemingly innocuous newspaper ad from a woman seeking a soulmate. Enticed by the prospect of new love, he contacted the number listed, only to be lured into a financial trap. The woman on the line, claiming to be from a dating agency, introduced him to “Kate,” a fictitious persona crafted to exploit his emotions and finances.
As their communication progressed, Lex was persuaded to pay a series of fees, starting with a $6,500 agency charge. The demands escalated when “Kate” fabricated a story about needing to terminate a work contract at the Gold Coast Hospital, prompting Lex to send more money. It wasn’t until he refused further payments that the illusion shattered, revealing the scam.
A History of Deception
This isn’t the first time Helen Dimitrijevski has been implicated in such schemes. In 1998, she was exposed for running a fraudulent dating agency, TLC, which was eventually banned from operating. Despite this, police allege that Helen and Sophie continued their deceptive practices, preying on vulnerable individuals seeking companionship.
When authorities raided their Gold Coast homes, they discovered cash and lists of names with corresponding dollar amounts, further incriminating the pair. Detective Sergeant Matt Hogan described their operations as “sophisticated,” noting their ability to manipulate victims into believing they were investing in a shared future.
“These people are sophisticated, they know the right strings to pull, the right words to use to get people right where they want them to be,” Detective Sergeant Matt Hogan said.
Victims and Consequences
Lex’s $42,000 loss is just a fraction of the total amount swindled by the duo. A man in his 50s from Western Australia reportedly lost around $100,000, while a 70-year-old from Far North Queensland was defrauded of over $340,000. In total, the court found that 11 clients of Helen’s agency paid more than $1.1 million without receiving any genuine service.
The legal repercussions for Helen and Sophie include a court-ordered agreement to repay some of the stolen funds through justice mediation. However, the emotional and financial damage inflicted on their victims remains profound.
Looking Forward
As the case unfolds, it highlights the persistent threat of romance scams and the need for vigilance among those seeking love. The Dimitrijevski case serves as a stark reminder of the lengths to which scammers will go to exploit human emotions.
For Lex and others, the hope is that justice will be served and that the mother-daughter duo will face appropriate consequences for their actions. “Hopefully they’ve learnt their lesson,” Lex remarked, reflecting on the ordeal.
The court’s decision to permanently bar Helen from the introductions industry marks a significant step in preventing future scams. However, as authorities continue to investigate, the question remains whether this will deter others from following in her footsteps.
