Scottish ‘financial adviser’ jailed over £110k fraud

Wanda Simmons, or Campbell, founded financial advisory service Luce Bay Consulting and began working for the owners of a Castle Douglas garage business in March 2012 where she carried out accountancy work despite not being a qualified accountant or having any affiliation to accredited financial bodies.

The court heard how she became responsible for all aspects of the company’s finances and told them she would set up a client account for them, telling them to provide funds to demonstrate the firm’s liquidity.

The money was actually being kept in her own business account and between August 2012 and January 2013 the company made deposits totalling £110,000 which were siphoned off and spent by Campbell.

In addition to the custodial sentence Simmons was ordered to pay £110,000 compensation.

Confiscation proceedings under Proceeds of Crime legislation are also underway.

Speaking following sentencing today, Fraser Gibson, Procurator Fiscal for Dumfries & Galloway said: “Wanda Campbell targeted her victims, gained their trust and then in a very elaborate fraud stole a huge amount of money from them.

“Fraudsters can be very convincing. There is no shame attached to becoming their victim and we would urge people to report such offences.

“If you are approached by anyone offering to do work, or notice a vulnerable friend, family member or neighbour in such circumstances please be vigilant, check their credentials and do not allow them to take advantage.”