Manchester Man Jailed for Ripping Off Victims of £700,000 Scam
Sam Whittingslow, 29, from Hyde, has been locked up for three years after swindling nearly £700,000 from five victims. The con came to light in May 2019 when Greater Manchester Police launched a probe following multiple complaints about dodgy investments.
£700K Scam Uncovered by GMP’s Economic Crime Unit
The Economic Crime Unit found Whittingslow ran his scam between September 2017 and May 2019. He lured victims with promises of big returns, only to spend their cash on online gambling instead.
Whittingslow was arrested, charged with five counts of fraud by false representation, and later pleaded guilty at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court.
Small Returns Pulled Victims Deeper into the Fraud
Detective Constable Laura Watson said, “Whittingslow used knowledge gained through employment to persuade five victims to transfer nearly £700,000 into his personal accounts.”
She added, “He promised good returns but gambled the money online. Three victims even received small payments, making them invest more. These payouts were just funds from other victims.”
Following the investigation, gambling regulators forced several businesses to return money Whittingslow had spent, ultimately helping to compensate the victims.
Warning to Investors and Gamblers
DC Watson urged caution: “Be careful when making investments. If you gamble online, know treatment and support are available through organisations like GamCare, National Problem Gambling Clinic, Gordon Moody Association, and Gamblers Anonymous UK.”
