Shortman, from Pontypool in South Wales, advertised mobile
phones, cameras and camcorders for sale on eBay, and when contacted
by successful bidders, asked them to pay in cash or by cheque.
But the goods did not actually exist and when angry purchasers
tried to contact Shortman he either ignored the calls, or became
aggressive, taunting victims with comments like "This is my
business – I make people fools," according to reports.
In all, police received 21 complaints against Shortman, who
admitted the offences, and asked for a further 64 to be taken into
account.
Shortman, who was 17 at the time of the offences, used the money
to fund a lavish lifestyle. When police caught up with him he had
only £615 left, according to reports.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, eBay.co.uk's head of trust and
safety, Garreth Griffith, suggested that the purchasers had not
followed security measures, which include reading feedback posted
by earlier customers and using a credit card – with its attendant
insurances – when purchasing on-line.
