Login
ISCOVER
Despite a court ordered ban until 2028, Mark Whittingham has once again been embroiled in a new scam involving the sale of client databases.
Speaking with The Adviser, senior broker at Aussie Brett Davies said he received an email offering the sale of a client database – and admitted he almost went through with the transaction.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Looking for more benefits? Become a Premium Member.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
Looking for more benefits? Become a Premium Member.
“I had organised to purchase 3,000 names and contact details for 50 cents each,” he said.
“The $1,500 was going to be transferred over two payments. I received the contract and was supposed to finalise the deal on Friday morning – but at the last minute I did some background research and discovered who I was dealing with.”
Mr Davies said after a quick Google search, he discovered that the company he was dealing with, CaliFour Pty Ltd, was owned by Mr Whittingham’s wife, who is currently under investigation by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
The initial email read:
“We are looking to sell some databases related to consumers, mortgage brokers, accountants, planners and real estate agents. In total, about 60,000 contacts left.
“The data contains email address details etc. and is in an Excel csv file. We were mortgage brokers and we used it to write loans etc. However, we have left the industry and no longer need the list.
“The price is neg and can be split up into states. If you are interested, please just reply to this email with your name and number.”
The email was sent from
The Adviser also confirmed that correspondence between the parties was done via Mr Whittingham’s active mobile phone number.
The Victorian Fraud Squad told The Adviser that while they cannot comment on specific cases under investigation, they could confirm they are investigating a number of fraud related incidents in the mortgage broking and real estate industries between 2010 and 2013.
“We completely understand the outcry from the industry, and we would like to let people know that we are investigating all reported cases of fraudulent behaviour of this nature,” a spokesperson said.
The Adviser spoke with Mr Whittingham. However, he claimed he had been advised not to provide comment to the media.
Mr Whittingham went on to deny any involvement, claiming he'd been hacked.
