TL;DR: On March 25, 2026, a 50-year-old woman from Northumberland was jailed for seven years and seven months at Swindon Crown Court for a fraud operation worth £180,000 over about four years. The CPS says she falsely claimed a multi-million-pound inheritance to win trust and money from multiple men.
What happened
The Crown Prosecution Service says she used forged professional letters, took bank cards without permission, opened a betting account in one victim’s name, and falsified documents that defrauded legal firms and a bank. She pleaded guilty on February 11, 2026 to six counts of theft, four of fraud by false representation, two of using a false instrument and one of possessing an article for use in fraud.
CPS Wessex worked with Wiltshire Police on the investigation, and the CPS described the sentence as reflecting the seriousness of her actions.
Why it works
A believable story about wealth locked in a legal process explains why someone needs money now and promises repayment later. Forged letters and a “solicitor” voice make the story look verified.
The CPS article gives no prevention advice, so the points below come from standard guidance on relationship fraud rather than from the release.
Background: our explainers on dating and romance scam red flags and romance scam recovery steps. See also Dating App Romance Fraud: £28,502 Taken From Three Men and NCA Charges Five Over Spoofing Platform Behind Scam Calls. For wider numbers, see our data page on average loss per victim by scam type.
Warning signs worth knowing
- Someone you have not met in person asks for money for legal fees, taxes or a delayed inheritance.
- They want access to your bank cards, accounts or documents.
- Their story depends on letters or documents you cannot verify with the named firm directly.
- Report to your bank and to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at reportfraud.police.uk.
If you have already sent money
Contact your bank immediately, using the number on your card or by dialling 159, and ask about stopping the payment and reimbursement, then report it to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Our guides on UK fraud reporting and APP reimbursement rules, UK bank impersonation scams and how to reverse a wire transfer scam explain what to expect, and what to do after a scam, wherever you live covers the first 24 hours. Scammers often start with details taken from past leaks, so run our free digital footprint check to see what of yours is already exposed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did the fraud involve?
£180,000 across about four years, according to the CPS release of March 25, 2026.
What was the sentence?
Seven years and seven months’ imprisonment at Swindon Crown Court on March 25, 2026.
How did she win trust?
By falsely claiming a multi-million-pound inheritance and using forged professional letters.
Should I report a suspected romance fraud?
Yes. Tell your bank and report to Report Fraud, and do not feel embarrassed, as the CPS encourages victims to come forward.
Sources
- CPS Wessex: Romance fraudster jailed after conning multiple men in £180,000 fraud operation (Mar 25, 2026)
- Report Fraud (reportfraud.police.uk)
Related Reading
- Ex-Council Leader’s Romance Fraud: Crown Seeks £197,018
- Dating App Romance Fraud: £28,502 Taken From Three Men
- NCA Charges Five Over Spoofing Platform Behind Scam Calls
- Alberta RCMP Charge Man Over C$160,000 Sports Company Scheme
- UK Scam News: October 2026 Roundup and Warnings
- Average Loss per Victim by Scam Type (2025)
- What to do after a scam, wherever you live