A woman has been convicted for committing financial fraud in Brighton and Hove.
36-year-old Shona Stiles, who does not have a permanent residence, was apprehended in Hove last Monday, November 27, for a series of fraudulent activities in the area.
Stiles engaged her victims by falsely claiming she needed immediate cash due to her inability to withdraw money without a bank card.
Using emotional manipulation, Stiles convinced her victims to give her money, deceiving them with a fabricated banking phone line and fake transfer confirmations.
She exploited the compassion of her victims with fabricated stories, such as needing funds for a taxi for her child or to escape a boyfriend.
Stiles persuaded her victims to withdraw and give her significant amounts of money from ATMs, falsely promising them electronic reimbursement.
On Wednesday, November 29, Stiles faced Brighton Magistrates’ Court, facing seven counts of fraud and one count of theft.
Upon pleading guilty to the charges, Stiles received a 6-month prison sentence.
