Online Predator Jailed for Duping Girls with Fake Bank Statements
Samuel Ward, 27, from Newmarket, Suffolk, has been locked up for 30 months after tricking teenage girls into sending intimate photos. The fraudster faked bank statements to convince victims he’d pay for explicit images—but never did.
Fake £98k Bank Balance Used to Lure Victims
The National Crime Agency (NCA) uncovered Ward’s scheme after a 17-year-old girl in Florida reported suspicious Instagram messages offering $500 a week for sexual photos. One message showed a doctored bank screenshot boasting a £98,606.80 balance to prove he had the cash.
Ward operated from 2019 to 2021, targeting girls and women on Instagram, Snapchat, and Tinder. He sent the same fake bank image and promised “sugar daddy” deals to over 40 victims—18 of whom sent explicit pictures, including four under 18.
Victims Tricked into Sending Explicit Images for Phantom Payments
- One 23-year-old was offered £3,000 for “non-explicit” images. Ward sent her a fake transaction receipt for £3,000—but her bank showed only £3 actually paid. When she challenged him, he claimed he meant three grand, not three pounds.
- A 17-year-old known to Ward was coerced into sending 57 indecent images between 2019 and 2020. Chat logs show Ward pressuring her with lines like, “I have needs” and “if u loved me u would have made some kind of effort.” He promised £10,000 for ten photos but only sent her £1 as proof, never paying in full.
Justice Served: Ward Sentenced and Restricted
Ward pleaded guilty to 19 charges including fraud, making indecent images of children, and malicious communication. At Peterborough Crown Court, he received a 30-month prison sentence and a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Adam Priestley, NCA senior investigating officer, praised the victims’ bravery. “Ward relentlessly targeted teenage girls with false promises he never intended to pay. Thanks to a 17-year-old in the US who reported him, we launched an international probe and brought him to justice.”
Help and Advice for Victims of Online Exploitation
The NCA urges anyone pressured into sending sexual images to report it immediately. The CEOP Education programme offers support for parents, carers, and children to stay safe online. Visit thinkuknow.co.uk for resources and advice.
If you face coercion online, stop communicating, block the offender, and tell a trusted adult or the police. Remember, you are not alone, and help is available.
