The Gold Coast community is being urged to stay vigilant against a known scammer who has allegedly been deceiving generous and well-meaning residents for years. The individual, whose real name and identity remain uncertain (believed to actually be Tianne Isaac), operates under multiple aliases and frequently posts fabricated stories online to solicit cash, goods, and other forms of assistance from kind-hearted locals.

A History of Deception

According to numerous community reports, this individual has been preying on the goodwill of Gold Coast residents by presenting sob stories, often involving claims of homelessness or financial hardship. Common narratives used include:

  • Being a single mother with 4–8 children or part of a struggling large family.
  • Recently securing housing after being homeless.
  • Collecting on behalf of another needy family.
  • Claiming to have no car and needing essential items.

These fabricated stories are designed to tug at the heartstrings of compassionate community members who then donate money, food, furniture, or other valuable goods. Victims report that these items are often sold by the scammer for personal gain.

Aliases Linked to the Scammer

This individual is said to operate under a variety of names, making it difficult for unsuspecting residents to identify and avoid her schemes. Some of the reported aliases include:

  • Ava Middle
  • Carly Saunders
  • Shannon Leigh
  • Leigh Lee
  • Selina Freeburn
  • Amanda (no surname)
  • Alex Williams
  • Tianne n Josh
  • Tia Leigh
  • Tianne Sheather
  • Tianne Leigh
  • Tianne Isaac
  • Isaac Tianne
  • Josh Ferguson
  • Darren Woods

Community members are advised to be cautious of any new names that fit similar patterns or are associated with similar stories.

The Scam Playbook

Reports suggest the scammer only responds to offers of cash, food, or valuable items. When help is offered in the form of access to services or support networks, such as charities or community organisations, she reportedly ignores the suggestions. This reinforces the belief that the individual is not seeking genuine assistance but is instead exploiting the community for material gain.

Additionally, victims are warned not to transfer money via bank transfer or PayPal, as these methods may still leave them vulnerable to financial loss. The scammer’s tactics reportedly include selling items given to her for free, further profiting from the goodwill of others.

Community Frustration and Outrage

Frustration among Gold Coast residents has been mounting, with many expressing anger at the continued deceit. One resident described the individual as “preying on hardworking, decent, good-hearted community members,” while another called for widespread sharing of this information to prevent further victims.

The scammer’s long-standing history on the Gold Coast and her ability to adapt her aliases and stories have made her a persistent threat. Community groups and forums have been instrumental in spreading awareness and documenting her activities.

How to Protect Yourself

To avoid falling victim to scams like these, residents are urged to take the following precautions:

  1. Verify Stories: Be cautious of individuals requesting cash or goods online, especially if their stories cannot be independently verified.
  2. Avoid Cash Transactions: Refrain from giving cash or items to individuals you don’t know personally or whose stories seem suspicious.
  3. Use Trusted Platforms: When buying or selling goods online, only use secure and traceable methods of payment.
  4. Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect someone is attempting to scam you or others, report the incident to Queensland Police or Scamwatch.
  5. Share Information: Share scam alerts like this one with friends, family, and community groups to ensure others are informed.

A Call for Community Action

The Gold Coast Torch encourages residents to stay vigilant and report any encounters with this scammer or others operating similarly. Scams not only harm individuals but also erode the trust and goodwill that make our community strong.

If you have been targeted or have information about this individual, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or visit www.scamwatch.gov.au for resources on reporting scams and protecting yourself.

Together, we can put an end to this deceit and ensure our community remains safe for everyone.

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