Central QLD mothers face Gladstone court for Facebook Marketplace scams

Two Central Queensland mothers have been caught ripping people off in almost identical Facebook Marketplace scams that netted them hundreds, with one using the proceeds to buy drugs.

Two mums have faced Gladstone court for ripping people off in Facebook Marketplace scams. Generic Picture: iStock

Two mothers have faced a Gladstone court after they were busted fleecing people of hundreds of dollars in an almost identical social media scam.

Laura Jane Pearce, 41, and Nicole Stacey Lee, 30, both pleaded guilty in Gladstone Magistrates Court on July 17 to fraud.

Their matters were heard separately and there is no suggestion the cases are linked.

In relation to Pearce, police prosecutor Sergeant Kevin Ongheen said on June 17, she advertised an Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max on Facebook Marketplace for $900.

On the same day, the victim, a 51-year-old Victorian woman, contacted Pearce about the iPhone for sale.

Sgt Ongheen said the pair exchanged messages through Facebook Messenger, text messages and a phone call, before the victim transferred $915 ($15 for express postage) via PayID to Pearce.

“The following day, the victim requested postage tracking details for the item, however (she) had been blocked by the account and never received the Apple iPhone as per the sale,” Sgt Ongheen said.

The victim reported the matter to Victoria Police.

Sgt Ongheen said when police spoke to Pearce, she confirmed she did not send the iPhone to the victim and she used the money to buy drugs.

The court heard that Pearce had no similar offending on her criminal history.

Her solicitor said at the time of the crime, Pearce was “ice affected” and also suffering from mental health problems.

They said Pearce was a mother of six on a disability pension, and she was currently receiving professional support for her issues.

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In relation to Lee, the court heard her victim was a woman in her 30s.

It was told that on July 21, 2022, the victim agreed to purchase an iPhone 13 Pro Max that was advertised by Lee on Facebook Marketplace for $700.

Sgt Ongheen said in this case, there was an arrangement for Lee to deliver the phone once payment had been received.

The prosecutor said after a $700 payment was made via PayID, the victim did not receive the phone.

“The victim asked for a refund and was blocked by the account holder on social media and on the telephone,” Sgt Ongheen said.

The victim then contacted police.

The court heard Lee had no criminal history.

A solicitor said Lee was a mother of two who suffered from depression, and she committed the crime because she was “running short of cash.”

Magistrate Mary Buchanan placed Pearce on 12 months’ probation and ordered she pay $915 restitution.

Ms Buchanan fined Lee $500 and ordered $700 restitution be paid.

In the cases of both women, no conviction was recorded.  

Originally published as Central QLD mothers face Gladstone court for Facebook Marketplace scams