Police refuse to probe repeat internet scam
Reporter: Erin Heywood
Date published: 25 October 2012
POLICE are refusing to investigate fraud claims against a woman convicted of the same offences only six months ago.
Furious complainants with evidence of cash lost in an internet scam have blasted the decision not to take action.
Lynn Barker, of Jenny Street, Hollinwood, pleaded guilty to 10 charges of false representation in April and was sentenced to a 12-month community order. She fraudulently sold phantom mobile phones and concert tickets to unsuspecting online victims and used the money to help pay off £9,000 debts hidden from her husband.
A string of people have complained to police since the case and say they have been fobbed off: one 20-year-old girl claims he was even told to deal with the matter herself.
The victim says she sent Lynn Barker £180 for two tickets to the Isle of Wight music festival Bestival. After sending the money, Barker didn’t respond to calls and emails, and didn’t send any tickets.
The complainant contacted GMP after spotting the Chronicle court story online - but was told to have any chance of getting her money back she should contact Barker herself.
Another victim, suffered a similar fate days later when attempting to buy tickets for the same festival on the same Gumtree website. She reported the crime to the police but received a letter saying they wouldn’t be taking action.
Her mother is furious with the way her daughter has been treated.
“The police are more than aware a crime has been committed and know the perpetrator, so why is she not being prosecuted?”
Two more complainants have since approached the Chronicle after paying £80 and £40 for non-existent concert tickets. GMP have again said they cannot take action.
Detective Inspector Tony Heslop of the Volume Fraud Unit said his department handles up to 4,000 fraud reports a year.
“Because of the sheer volume we are unable to investigate every complaint fully. A variety of factors is taken into consideration before an investigation is launched.
“Ideally, Greater Manchester Police would investigate each and every crime - but have to work within our resources. We understand this is frustrating and upsetting for the victims concerned.”
Lynn Barker, who was sentenced in May, did not respond to requests for comment.
