Fraud Boss Pleads Guilty to Running £43 Million Scam
Tejay Fletcher, 35, from Western Gateway, London, appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, 20 April. He admitted charges including making and supplying fraud tools, encouraging offences, and handling criminal property.
iSpoof: The Fraud Website Behind Millions Lost
Detective Superintendent Helen Rance, who led the investigation, praised her Cyber Crime team for cracking the case. She called Fletcher the “ringleader of a slick fraud website” that cost victims millions.
“We are doing more than ever before to protect Londoners from spoofing and cyber fraud and devised a bespoke plan to reach out to victims who were targeted via iSpoof,” she said.
Fletcher ran iSpoof, a website fraudsters used to impersonate officials from banks and government bodies. Scammers pretended to be from Barclays, Santander, HSBC, Lloyds, Halifax, First Direct, Natwest, Nationwide, and TSB.
Victims Lose Over £43 Million in UK Alone
The scam’s UK losses top £43 million, with global fraud hitting at least £100 million. Criminals used iSpoof to make calls appear genuine, tricking victims into handing over money.
Detective Constable Ed Sehmer said: “Despite what Fletcher and criminal services claim, fraudsters are not anonymous. Police will track down those running and using these services.”
Justice Ahead as Fletcher Awaits Sentence
Thomas Short, Specialist Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, condemned Fletcher’s role.
“As the leading admin of iSpoof, Fletcher gave fraudsters the tools to cheat innocent people on a shocking scale,” said Short. “Fraud causes huge financial and emotional damage. Victims must come forward.”
“This conviction sends a strong message: criminals can no longer hide behind online anonymity.”
Fletcher faces sentencing at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, 18 May.
Think You’ve Been Targeted?
If you suspect fraud, contact your bank immediately. Report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
