Stevenage fraudster jailed for dozens of vehicle finance scams

Stevenage fraudster jailed for dozens of vehicle finance scams

Dear Resident

A fraudster from Stevenage has been jailed for more than four years after committing a series of vehicle finance scams.

Mark Felton, aged 54, of Trajan Gate, carried out a fraud spree between 2022-2023, which involved applying for vehicle finance using fake identities, reselling vehicles multiple times and taking payments for vehicles he did not deliver. 

Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Serious Fraud and Cyber Unit investigated dozens of linked offences, with losses of over £500,000, arresting and charging Felton for 34 offences. 

Felton appeared at Cambridge Crown Court on 23 October having previously pleaded guilty to Fraud by False Representation and Proceeds of Crime offences (money laundering). He was sentenced to four years and 11 months in prison and will be subject to a Proceeds of Crime process to recoup stolen funds from his assets. 

Detective Sergeant Anna Luxon, from the Serious Fraud and Cyber Unit, said: “Felton used fake identities to acquire finance for vehicles he then ‘sold’ to his victims, but never delivered to them and repeatedly lied when confronted by customers. His offending affected both the businesses providing the vehicles and the finance, and the victims who paid for vehicles they never received. 

“Felton’s offending carried on for several years and no doubt caused much financial damage to the people and businesses affected. We will be seeking to recover funds to reimburse the victims from the offender’s assets.”  

For more tips on avoiding fraud visit:  www.reportfraud.police.uk or www.herts.police.uk/cyber-fraud, where you can also find details of future events.

If you believe that you are a victim of fraud or cybercrime please contact Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040. If a crime is in progress call 999 immediately.