Woman from Bracknell sentenced for romance fraud
She stole £26,000 after telling lies while in a 'relationship'
A woman from Bracknell has been sentenced for fraud by false representation or so-called 'romance fraud'.
Megan Whiles, aged 23, of Jay Corner, Bracknell, was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years at Reading Crown Court on Friday 19 July.
She was also ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months.
Whiles previously pleaded guilty to one count of fraud by false representation at the same hearing.
Between October 2022 and January 2023, Whiles stole more than £26,000 from the victim, a man in his thirties, whilst the man believed they were in a romantic relationship.
Whiles claimed that she needed money in order to visit her nan, who she said was receiving end of life care, and then to help her and her family with the funeral costs after her nan has passed away.
It was established that Whiles’ nan was not in hospital and the money was used to fund Whiles’ lifestyle.
Premeditated
Investigating officer Detective Constable Kelly Turner said:
“This conviction with an early guilty plea shows the hard work and dedication the Thames Valley Police Central Fraud Unit has put into safeguarding the victims of fraud and pursuing those that commit it and bring them to justice.
“Whiles’ actions were premeditated in nature, setting up elaborate lies and stories to ensure the victim would feel guilty for her and transfer substantial funds to her in a short space of time."
Callous
Head of Central Fraud Unit, Detective Inspector Duncan Wynn said:
“Romance fraud is a particularly callous crime and can have devastating consequences for the victim both financially and emotionally.
“In this case, Whiles systematically targeted a vulnerable victim and convinced him she was interested in a romantic relationship with him. Having falsely gained his trust with a series of lies she abused this by extracting significant funds from him for her own gain.
“I hope this conviction shows that we will take such reports seriously and will investigate thoroughly and support victims, and hopefully gives them the confidence to come forward.
“Thames Valley Police are one of the leading forces with regards to romance fraud and convictions can very rare due to a large number of suspects targeting UK victims from abroad. However, this conviction and sentence should send a clear message that offences like this will be taken seriously.
“There are further details on our website about romance fraud and how people can report or get support if they’ve been, or they think a family member or friend has been, a victim.”