Middlesbrough retailer sentenced after defrauding more than 20 customers

This case demonstrates how persistent fraudsters operating from the UK can fleece multiple victims — the eight-month suspended sentence and unpaid work order shows the courts take this seriously. If you've sent money for goods that never arrived, don't assume you're alone; report it to Action Fraud immediately.

This is a reminder that fraud is prosecuted and criminals do get caught. If you've been a victim of fraud, report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. Reporting matters — it builds the evidence that leads to prosecutions like this one.