Melbourne woman accused of posing as doctor and charging $20K for unapproved care

Victoria’s health watchdog has alerted the public to

Victoria’s health watchdog has alerted the public to a woman in Melbourne suspected of masquerading as a medical practitioner and taking thousands of dollars for treatments that were never approved.

The Health Complaints Commissioner issued the warning on Thursday, saying the woman allegedly presented herself as a doctor despite having no formal medical qualifications. Investigators believe she charged a patient roughly $20,000 for procedures that have not been authorised by Australian health authorities.

The regulator did not name the woman publicly but described her as operating in the Melbourne area. Officials are urging anyone who may have received treatment from her to come forward, saying there is a heightened risk of harm due to the unregulated nature of the alleged practices.

“This type of behaviour is extremely concerning because

“This type of behaviour is extremely concerning because it exploits people who are often vulnerable and seeking genuine medical help,” a spokesperson for the commissioner said. “We want to make sure that no one else falls victim to this kind of deception.”

The warning forms part of a broader crackdown on unregistered health providers in the state. Authorities are reminding residents to verify the credentials of any health professional before agreeing to treatment, particularly when large sums of money are involved.

Anyone with information about the woman or similar cases has been asked to contact the Health Complaints Commissioner directly. The investigation remains ongoing, and further legal action is possible once all evidence has been reviewed.