‘Trusted Friend’ Scam: ACT Man Ordered to Repay $8,000 After Faking Police Investigation

• friendship scams
• fraud
• financial abuse

A Canberra man exploited his friend's trust and faked a police investigation to steal over $8,000. Learn how the scam unfolded—and why friendship scams are so devastating.

Betrayed by a Friend: The ACT ‘Police Ruse’ Scam Explained

Trust is the bedrock of friendship. But for one Canberra university student, that trust was exploited in a cruel and calculated scam—leaving him financially and emotionally devastated.

How the Friendship Scam Worked

• The Setup: The fraudster, Rahul Kumar Goda, was a close friend of the victim and someone the student “trusted deeply”. Amidst a recent relationship breakdown, the victim was emotionally vulnerable.
• The Ruse: Goda lied, claiming the victim was under police investigation in Victoria for serious crimes. He convinced the student that he was speaking with a Victorian police officer on his behalf and even faked phone calls and forged a letter to support his story.
• The Payoff: Goda claimed prosecutors would drop the ‘charges’ if the student paid fines. Over two weeks, the victim transferred more than $8,000—money that represented his family’s life savings.
• The Impact: The student was left in severe financial hardship, forced to borrow money to survive. He described the experience as “degrading” and said it broke him emotionally and mentally.

What Happened in Court?

• Rahul Kumar Goda was convicted of two counts of fraud and one count of using a false document.
• He received a fully suspended eight-month prison sentence and a two-year good behaviour order.
• He was ordered to pay back the stolen money in monthly instalments across the next two years.

Why Are Friendship Scams So Dangerous?

• Emotional Manipulation: Scammers prey on trust and personal connection, making it much harder for victims to recognise red flags or question unusual requests.
• High Impact: The financial and psychological effects can be devastating—especially for students, migrants, and anyone with limited support networks.
• Betrayal: Beyond money, victims lose faith in close relationships, making recovery even harder.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Friends asking for large sums of money—especially under stressful or urgent circumstances
• Claims involving police, legal trouble, or threats that cannot be independently verified
• Fake documents, staged phone calls, or pressure not to talk to anyone else

How to Protect Yourself from Friendship and ‘Authority’ Scams

• Pause and Verify: If a friend requests money, especially with an unusual story, pause. Privately verify the claims—contact police or legal authorities independently.
• Don’t Rush: Scammers create a sense of urgency to override your better judgment. Take time to check the facts before sending money.
• Protect Your Details: Don’t share sensitive information unless you are absolutely sure who you are dealing with.
• Seek Help: If you’re targeted, talk to a trusted third party or support service before making any decisions.

What If You’ve Been Scammed?

• Report the crime to the police immediately.
• Seek legal advice—reparations may be ordered by the court, as in this case.
• Talk to a counsellor or support service for emotional recovery—scam trauma is real and valid.

Conclusion

Friendship should be a source of support, not stress. The ACT court’s decision is a reminder: even the closest relationships can be manipulated, but victims have options for justice and recovery. Staying vigilant and seeking independent advice before transferring money can help protect yourself—and your loved ones—from similar heartbreak.