Northampton fraudster scammed London commuters by cancelling Oyster cards and pocketing refunds
James Service had access to thousands of customers' personal details while working as a customer service advisor at Novacroft, in Northampton.
But Northampton Crown Court heard yesterday (September 4) how, in the space of just two months, the 20-year-old used this data to defraud three victims and pocket over £3,000 for himself.
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Hide AdThe court heard how Service used customer's details to exploit the cancellation policy of the London Oyster card scheme.
When a customer cancels one of the travel cards, they can order the remaining balance of the card to be refunded to a chosen bank account.
With his insider knowledge, Service called and cancelled three cards and had the refunded balance sent to the bank accounts of three associates - before later taking the money for himself.
However, all three customers later alerted Oyster card that their accounts had been cancelled and Service was soon found out.
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Hide AdThe court heard how the total stolen refunds amounted to £3,357.
It comes after the 20-year-old was handed two suspended sentences last year for assault by ABH and breach of a public order.
It meant Service was looking at a 10-month prison sentence.
But on reflection, Her Honour Judge Adrienne Lucking instead offered Service an ultimatum.
She told the 20-year-old: "If you tell me now that I would just be setting you up to fail by making you comply with a court order, then I will send you to prison for 10 months today.
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Hide Ad"Alternatively, I can defer sentence for three months. And if you come back to me with a glowing report by the probation service showing that you've got a job and have attended every single appointment they make with you - then I might consider not activating this sentence.
"I'm not impressed by your record... I'm giving you this opportunity as you're still a young man.
"Now do you agree with what I'm saying?"
"Yes, your honour," said Service.
Service was ordered to return to court in December for sentencing.