Woman used Facebook to conduct retail fraud
SHE MADE HUNDREDS OF POUNDS BY OFFERING ITEMS THAT DIDN’T EXIST
A FACEBOOK fraudster sold nonexistent goods to fellow social media users then pocketed the cash.
Lee-Anne Bothick, also known as Dial, advertised the ‘items’ for sale on the website on seven occasions over a 12-month period, making £500. After the items failed to turn up at the buyers’ homes, the 32-year-old denied all knowledge of why they hadn’t arrived and refused to hand over refunds, a court heard.
However, her scam was eventually uncovered after reports were made against the mum-of-one and she was arrested following an investigation. Now, more than two years after her last ‘sale’ in October 2017, Bothick, of Arnold
Street, Boldon Colliery, has pleaded guilty to seven counts of fraud by false representation at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court.
Rachael Glover, prosecuting, said that in total, Bothick pocketed £493.85 by advertising seven non-existent items.
District Judge Kate Meek said: “You dishonestly made false representations that you had items to sell via Facebook that didn’t exist and you did so intending to make a gain.
“There is a significant level of trust, even between strangers who are buying and selling, so there is a significant breach of trust in this case.
“These are serious matters.”
The court heard that Bothick was an alcoholic and had needed the cash to buy booze and fund her addiction.
It was also noted that she had no previous convictions.
The case was adjourned until December 18 for a pre-sentence report.
Her solicitor said he would outline full mitigation then.