‘Truly revolting’: Inside Aussie WAG’s disturbing Dyson scam

Tiffany Black was once a beloved member of the rugby league world. She’s now been caught out in a web of lies.

EXCLUSIVE

A Gold Coast WAG has been outed as a serial fraudster after more than a dozen victims from across Australia came forward to police.

Mum-of-three Tiffany Black has pleaded guilty to 13 charges of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception in Tweed Heads Local Court and is set to be sentenced for her crimes on June 4.

Ms Black is married to former Wests Tigers player Benjamin Black. Mr Black has been contacted for comment by news.com.au and is not accused of any wrongdoing.

The 13 charges relate to Ms Black scamming people on Facebook Marketplace with a total value of $3550.

However, court documents obtained by news.com.au state that police believe Ms Black’s “elaborate scams” go much further with more victims expected to come forward.

Tiffany and Ben Black when they were living in the UK. Picture: Supplied

Ms Black also used to live in Wagga Wagga with her husband in 2017.

The pair have three children together. Picture: Supplied

In a statement to news.com.au, Ms Black blamed the Facebook scams on another person to whom she “owed money” – despite pleading guilty to the charges.

Ms Black said they “held her hostage” in her own home.

“She left me there, grabbed me by the hair while she unlocked my phone with my face,” Ms Black said.

One of her victims – Samantha Hind – said Ms Black told her she had been “in and out of hospital” with “throat cancer”, which is why the item hadn’t been shipped.

Ms Black told news.com.au she had been suffering from cancer for the last three years.

Ms Hind, who runs a business podcast, bought a Dyson Airwrap hairstyling tool from Ms Black on Facebook for $360 in May 2024 and never received the item.

Things got ugly when Ms Hind emailed her notifying her that she was going to speak about the incident on her podcast.

Ms Hind also wrote a comment on an online fundraiser raising money for her Ms Black’s cancer treatment, accusing her of being a scammer relating to their Dyson Airwrap transaction.

The March 2022 fundraiser raised £26,600 ($A57,069) for her “lifesaving treatment” at John Flynn Hospital in Brisbane.

Ben Black played first-grade for the Wests Tigers in 2001, and later played professionally in the UK. He retired from playing in 2014 when the couple moved back to Australia. Picture: Gregg Porteous

“I just received your email and text. I’m currently in hospital,” Ms Black wrote in the email.

“Your Airwrap was sent and I’d be one of the most stupid people alive to steal from anyone with my own name, image, phone number, email address etc.

“I’m not rich but I would never steal $360 off anyone for any reason whatsoever.

“You really don’t need to sabotage someone to gain fame. It’s truly revolting. I’ll send your money back if you’ve not received it by the end of the week but I can guarantee you’re going to receive it.”

Ms Hind said she was blocked by Ms Black on Facebook and never received the item.

Scarlett Brooks also fell victim to Ms Black’s Dyson Airwrap scam, sending her $300 from Melbourne. She was also blocked and did not received the item.

Ms Brooks told news.com.au Ms Black convinced her not to send the money via PayPal as she “worked at Suncorp” and it “wasn’t safe” and told her to send the payment via bank transfer.

“I guess I was a stupid and did it,” she said.

“I didn’t receive it and then she said I’m so sorry I’ve been sick with the flu. And then I got blocked and it never came.”

Mikaela Larkin also believed she bought a Dyson Airwrap from Ms Black in May last year and when it didn’t appear was told a smashed iPad was to blame.

“I sent the money and then she went dark for a little bit,” Ms Larkin told news.com.au.

“I said hey can you send me tracking number and she said I’m so sorry I’m travelling around Australia and using my daughter’s iPad and it’s smashed, so I haven’t been able to message you.”

Ms Larkin was then blocked and never heard from Ms Black again.

“It’s just great that something is happening about it,” Ms Larkin said.

Ms Black has pleaded guilty to 13 counts of financial gain by deception in Tweed Heads Local Court. Picture: Supplied

She will be sentenced on June 4.

According to court documents, Ms Black scammed her victims from multiple different states.

“The accused was spoken to briefly and stated that her accounts had been hacked by unknown persons,” the police facts state.

“However, when asked about informing police of the numerous transactions that have been credited to her account, the accused stated she had tried to report it but there is no evidence of this.

“The accused has clearly benefited financially through the elaborate frauds and to date the victims have received no compensation.

“There is believed to be numerous victims from Australia who have not reported the frauds.”

Ms Black is set to make an application under the Mental Health Act over the charges. The case has been set down for sentencing on June 4.

Cancer treatment debts

A group of her close friends, who spoke to news.com.au on the condition of anonymity, said they had recently had to block Ms Black from their lives after they were constantly asked for loans for treatment.

In one text message, Ms Black asked her friend for $6000 to pay for a surgery on the Gold Coast.

“I’ve got a massive favour to ask but I really don’t want anyone knowing I’m asking and I’m so sorry for asking, I’m just desperate,” she said.

“I get an insurance pay out next week and then can pay back then. Do you have anything I could lend til next week? I get a large payment next week, probably Wednesday.

“I’ll have surgery in 4 weeks because of radiation, I can’t lock a date til I’ve got money to cover, pay and lock it in.”

A text sent to one friend on September 23 2023. Picture: Supplied

The friend sent the money. Picture: Supplied

A day later, she asked a second friend who also sent her the money.

In October 2023, Ms Black sent a text to one of her friends telling her she had borrowed $31,000 to pay for surgery “and regretted it”.

“I’ve struggled to pay it back and everyone wants to kill me,” she wrote.

Another friend received a similar text from Ms Black on Sept 22. Picture: Supplied

She also sent the money. Picture: Supplied

Mr and Ms Black. Picture: Supplied

Ms Black telling a friend she owes $31,000. Picture: Supplied

Credit card allegations

Currumbin local Cassie White, who met Ms Black in July 2024 as both their sons played for the local junior football team, has also reported Ms Black to Queensland Police.

Ms White told news.com.au Ms Black, who also lived on her street, asked if she wanted to “get a wine together” after realising they were in the same WhatsApp mum groups for the rugby club.

After six month of getting to know one another, Ms Black reached out to Ms White in December 2024 asking her if she wanted a “free trip” to New Zealand after her friend allegedly cancelled on her.

“She can’t go now as she’s gotta go to the UK,” Ms Black wrote in the text message obtained by news.com.au.

“I was wondering if you fancy a free trip? Thought you probably need it more than most!”

Ms White said yes and sent over a copy of her passport.

Ms Black offers the trip to Ms White. The trip never eventuated. Picture: Supplied

Ms White sent over her passport. Picture: Supplied

The holiday never eventuated and Ms White later found out three credit cards had been applied for her in her name.

Three credit card applications made in Ms White’s name shortly after she sent over the passport. Picture: Supplied

Two of the applications – made to NAB and St George – were made on the same day she sent over the passport, with another – made to ANZ – filed for two days later.

In a statement, Queensland Police confirmed they have received Ms White’s report. No charges have been laid.

Black bites back

Ms Black also told news.com.au her former friends have “spread rumours” about her cancer.

Ms Black posted medical records to her Instagram story, accusing former friends of ‘spreading rumours’ about her cancer. Picture: Instagram

Ms Black told news.com.au someone had hacked into her phone to make the scams, despite pleading guilty to the charges. Picture: Instagram

She also took to social media, posting medical records to her Instagram story.

“For anyone wanting to share information instead of hearsay,” she wrote on Instagram.

“There’s more if you need it. Whoever is using my name is sabotage (sic) my life you won’t get away with it.”

Know more? Contact the journalist [e-mail]