Qld man, 75, charged over computer scam

An elderly Queensland man has been arrested after allegedly defrauding vulnerable victims through a money laundering scam targeting computer users.

Police allege the 75-year-old transferred in excess of $1 million overseas, having fraudulently set up three Australian companies after being lured to act for foreign scammers.

The scammers - acting as an overseas computer repair company - asked the man to become their local representative to receive funds from customers.

As part of the scam, a number of victims received cold calls from overseas advising their computer needed repairs and this provided remote access to the scammers who then downloaded a ransomware virus.

Police allege the scammers demanded money be paid to a Mackay-based bank account to unlock the victims' computer.

The local man was arrested on Friday and charged with recklessly engaging in money laundering.

He is expected to appear in Mackay Magistrates Court on August 3.

Detective Inspector Nikki Colfs from Mackay Crime and Support Services said the scam was another example of offenders praying on vulnerable victims.

"If anyone receives an unexpected call from someone and feels that something isn't right, simply hang up," she said.