Shocking scam lands alleged fraudster behind bars

A 28-year-old woman is currently before the courts for allegedly defrauding three Corporate Area men out of millions of dollars for motor vehicle-related services.

The accused, Britney Harris, appeared before Senior Parish Judge Sanchia Burrell on Thursday, where one of the matters against her was heard. In this case, the court learned that Harris contacted a complainant, claiming to be a police inspector.

She allegedly told him that his stolen 2016 Toyota Probox had been recovered and demanded $200,000 to facilitate the return of the vehicle. Prosecutors assert that the complainant handed over $60,000, but the vehicle has not been returned. As a result, Harris was charged with obtaining money by false pretence.

Harris also faces a second charge of obtaining money by false pretence. In this instance, first mentioned in July, she allegedly received $200,000 from another complainant after posing as a police officer who could assist in retrieving his impounded 2014 Toyota Fielder.

Senior Parish Judge Burrell expressed concern over the allegations, suggesting that Harris might not be acting alone.

"It appears there is more to it, that there is someone else involved, because how does she knows that cars are reported stolen or impounded? Furthermore, she has the names and contact information for these people," Burrell remarked.

In another case mentioned on Thursday, Harris is accused of swindling $2.42 million from a complainant by falsely claiming to be the owner of a rented 2016 Mercedes Benz. In that matter, Harris allegedly rented the luxury motor car then allegedly sold it to the male complainant, with the agreement that the motor vehicle title would be provided at a later date. However, after the complainant received the vehicle, he noted that the air conditioning was not working and contacted Harris to have the issue repaired.

The complainant was contacted by the true owner of the vehicle, when it was revealed that Harris rented the vehicle.

Burrell, citing concerns about Harris' safety and the possibility of other individuals being involved in the fraud, ordered that she be remanded in custody.

"She has to stay in custody, not because I think anything will happen to her, but I think she is playing a dangerous game and there is somebody else involved. How is she able to get the name and telephone number for these people? I'm not putting her back on bail," the judge remarked.

Harris, who has not yet entered a plea, is expected to return to court on November 13, when the matters will be mentioned again.