James Bambino conned 70 people by selling them imaginary tickets to the 2022 AFL grand final between Geelong and Sydney

Footy fans scammed into buying fake tickets to the 2022 AFL grand final have been warned they could face criminal charges after they sent the crook that duped them “vile” threats.

Bambino sold imaginary tickets to the 2022 AFL grand final between Geelong and Sydney. Picture: Daniel Pockett

Footy fans scammed into buying fake AFL grand final tickets could themselves face criminal charges after threatening to cut up “like a fish” the crook that duped them.

James Bambino conned 70 people out of $26k in less than a week by selling imaginary tickets to the 2022 MCG clash between Geelong and Sydney, even in the hours before the first bounce.

The airport ramp operator, 24, escaped conviction after pleading guilty to 37 charges in the Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where his lawyer read messages sent to Bambino from “vigilantes” who threatened to “spit on your mum” and “f--- the s--- out of your sister when you’re in prison”.

“You’re the one that’s gonna get cut up like a fish, your guts gonna be all over the concrete, c---. You’ve f---ed with the wrong MF,” another message read.

Defence barrister Geoffrey Steward said Bambino’s mum and dad were “too afraid to come to court … for fear of being assailed by a mob of identifiable, grotesque would-be vigilantes and other anonymous cowards who have both threatened and abused Mr Bambino and his family”.

“As wrongful as his behaviour was, neither he nor his family deserve to be treated the way they have by those who should know better,” he said.

James Bambino has been ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid community work within 12 months. Picture: Supplied

Magistrate Jennifer Tregent said those responsible for the “vile” messages were just as idiotic as Bambino, and that they themselves could now be hit with criminal charges.

“They are probably as foolhardy and stupid as (Bambino) in terms of their conduct because they will be readily identifiable themselves,” Her Honour said.

“(But) that’s for another court and another time.”

The bad behaviour was “not widespread”, with many victims showing “exemplary” conduct, including four people who sat in court to watch the criminal process play out.

Ms Tregent said Bambino had brought the “hostility” he faced upon himself.

It was “consequence of your offending”, which the magistrate labelled as “cruel”.

Mr Steward said Bambino’s crimes had been driven by his gambling addiction.

He was sacked from his “dream job” as an airport ramp operator just two weeks ago, in part because of his charges and the attention they had drawn.

“He’s a young fellow and he’s lost everything because of his stupidity,” Mr Steward said.

Ms Tregent did not convict Bambino due to his age, lack of priors and early guilty plea, but ordered him to complete 250 hours of unpaid community work within 12 months.

After his client was sentenced, Mr Steward thanked the police prosecutor for offering up a mask so Bambino could hide his face from waiting media outside court.

The barrister said the offer was declined.

“He’ll leave with his head held high,” Mr Steward said.

Meanwhile, the court was told all victims had been repaid.