Two Individuals Defrauded of £58,000 by Acquaintance

Two individuals, identified as victims of a scam, have described feelings of shame and humiliation after a convicted fraudster persuaded them to hand over a total of £58,000. Kim Older, 53, residing in Bexhill, East Sussex, asserted a requirement for financial aid to access an inheritance fund, assuring those who loaned her money that they would receive a benefit. During 2019, Glyn Busby, also from Bexhill, provided Older with approximately £35,000. This sum comprised his inheritance and funds obtained through credit cards. He stated, “It all seemed so real – she got me hook, line and sinker.” His initial payment to Older was £4,000, following persuasion from a close family member who was also friends with Older. He commented, “Literally, day after day after day, the amount rose and I stupidly gave more and more.” In October, Older received a conviction for two counts of fraud by false representation and was issued a suspended prison sentence. Sarah, whose actual name is not being disclosed, was another individual defrauded by Older in 2019. Sarah encountered Older at the SEN school where they were both employed, and she stated they “grew very close, very quickly.” Sarah was experiencing a period of bereavement for her father and indicated she was vulnerable during that time. When Older asserted an inability to cover her bills, Sarah felt compelled to assist her. Older stated she was set to inherit millions of pounds but required “a certain pot of money to access that money.” Over approximately one year, Older deceived Sarah into providing £23,000. This money had been given to Sarah by her father for her and her husband to “get married and have a house together.” Sarah reported that Older emotionally blackmailed her, and on one occasion, threatened to end her own life if Sarah withheld money. Sarah recounted, “I was in the car and I had to pull over because I was going to throw up.” She added, “I had been ground down so much by this person that I thought I could trust.” Concurrently, after providing approximately £20,000, Glyn informed Older he would cease further payments. Older responded by telling him that this action would result in him “lose every penny” he had already given her. Having borrowed funds from banks and via credit cards, which he continues to repay, Glyn estimates the total financial impact of the scam on him will be approximately £50,000. When questioned about his failure to cease sending money, Glyn explained he felt he “was in so deep.” Older incorporated other individuals into the intricate scam, who contacted Glyn while impersonating bank managers and representatives of an insurance company. Ultimately, Glyn stated he visited Older’s residence to confront her, but a man emerged and began pushing him off the driveway. Following this incident, he reported the matter to the police. As a consequence of becoming a victim of the scam, Glyn was unable to proceed with purchasing a house he and his partner were acquiring, and his relationship ended. He commented, “It was the last thing I’d think of at night and the first thing I’d think of in the morning and it drove me absolutely nuts.” Glyn reported that the stress led him to pull hair from his head. He further stated, “I don’t believe we’ll ever get over it completely.” Meanwhile, Sarah asserted that Older “knocked me down until I had nothing left.” She described, “My hair was falling out. My depression had got really bad. I wasn’t sleeping.” Sarah added, “She would phone me at two in the morning and then she would completely harass and hound me.” When questioned about the likelihood of recovering her money, Sarah responded that she was “painfully realistic.” She elaborated, “I’m in the real world now and I know that it’s probably very unlikely.” Sarah expressed, “I feel ashamed and I feel humiliated because I tried to help someone.” In addition to receiving a suspended prison sentence, Older is mandated to participate in rehabilitation sessions and complete 240 hours of unpaid work. Individuals impacted by the issues presented in this report can access support via BBC Action Line. BBC Sussex can be followed on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk, or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.