Adam Mowle, 34, of Larksfield Crescent, Harwich, received a 12-month suspended sentence and was ordered to pay £9,165 in compensation to the victim. Mowle is also required to pay a victim surcharge of £187, the prosecution costs of £850 and must complete 25 days of rehabilitation activities.
The hearing took place today following an investigation launched by Suffolk Trading Standards after the victim of a romance fraud reported Adam Mowle for laundering £9,165.00 into his personal bank account. Mowle pleaded guilty to one count of acquiring criminal property by fraud last month.
The court heard of how an online relationship was formed between the victim and a person calling themselves “Jenna Leigh Smith”. Over a ten-month period, the victim paid over £9,000 to “Jenna” believing that she needed the money due to illness and financial difficulties. The victim was unaware that the money was in fact being paid to Mowle.
The victim who does not want to be named said:
“When I matched with a female called ‘Jenna’ I did not know then that Mowle was impersonating a female called Jenna and I was defrauded into paying thousands of pounds into his account, in the belief I was helping Jenna.
“This incident has had a serious negative impact on my life and my families over the last seven years, and I am grateful to Suffolk Trading Standards for their support during the investigation and the eventual prosecution that led to this outcome today.
“I would like Mowle, and anyone else involved in romance fraud to know of the serious repercussions this has had on my life and my family. I would advise anyone who is unsure of a relationship online to talk to friends and family about it, never give money to someone you have not met in person and report any suspicions to Trading Standards.”
Graham Crisp, Head of Suffolk Trading Standards, commented after the hearing:
“This brings to an end a long and particularly complex investigation, and I am proud of the officers who worked diligently in the case to bring Adam Mowle to justice.
“Mowle’s intentions were clear – to fleece the victim of his hard-earned money. I hope this result brings some measure of reassurance to the victim and demonstrates our continued commitment to protecting residents from fraud and pursuing those who seek to profit through deception.”
Councillor Steve Wiles, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Public Protection, added:
“Romance fraud is largely unreported. Unfortunately, the shame and humiliation victims of romance fraud feel means they often are afraid to get help and report their scammer.
“I thank the courage and the bravery of the victim in coming forward in this case.
“If you suspect you have been a victim of fraud, please report this. Do not feel ashamed or embarrassed. You are not alone.
“We will deal with your case professionally and sensitively.”
Anyone who suspects they or someone they know is a victim of romance fraud can report this in confidence to Suffolk Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
