Scam victims are stupid says judge
VICTIMS of a conwoman who bought items from her without seeing them were branded “stupid” by a judge.
Mother-of-one Lynn Barker, 33, told buyers who posted wanted notices on the Gumtree classified ads website seeking iPhones, computer equipment and concert tickets that she had “exactly what they were looking for”.
Barker, from Oldham, was jailed for eight months after admitting 19 counts of fraud at Manchester’s Minshull Crown Court. Judge Timothy Mort said the “mean” fraud was “remarkably” easy because victims had “stupidly handed over money without getting the goods”. Gumtree said it “strongly discourages” people from transferring money before seeing an item.