Hackney men convicted of £5,000 fake bank transfer scam

Two men from Hackney have been convicted of a series of fraud offences targeting 10 victims across London. Patrick Mongan, 24, and James Maughan, 38, admitted to crimes that resulted in losses exceeding £5,000. The victims, predominantly young men and students, were defrauded between November 2025 and March 2026.

The Scam Method

The fraudsters approached individuals, often near transport hubs and cash machines, claiming to be visitors from Ireland who had lost their wallets and needed cash. They would then ask victims to enter their bank details into what appeared to be a banking application on the suspect's mobile phone. After showing a fabricated confirmation of a bank transfer, the men would claim the funds would take up to 24 hours to arrive due to being an international payment. Believing the transaction was legitimate, the victims would hand over cash, only to later discover no money had been transferred.

Detective Constable Ayshe Caluda of the Metropolitan Police's Economic Crime team stated that the convictions demonstrated how fraudsters can use convincing stories and simple technology to trick people. She added that through persistent investigative work, detectives were able to piece together the full picture and secure these convictions. DC Caluda also noted that fraud has a significant impact on victims regardless of the amount taken, and the police will continue to pursue those who seek to exploit and deceive others for financial gain.

Locations and Evidence

The offences took place in various locations across London, with specific incidents reported near Waterloo Station in December and Stratford International Station in March. The investigation involved the use of telephone records, forensic analysis, and closed-circuit television footage to link both men to the crimes. Maughan was identified from a photograph provided by a victim, and the phone used in the scam was later found at his address. Mongan used two phone numbers, but both were traced to a single handset.

Court Proceedings

At Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 16, Patrick Mongan pleaded guilty to one count of theft and seven counts of fraud by false representation. James Maughan admitted to two counts of fraud by false representation. Both men are scheduled to be sentenced in November.