Advertising fraud cost haulier £1.2m

By Carol Millett

Two sisters have admitted defrauding Penrith-based haulier SI & S Hastings Haulage of £1.2m by falsely claiming the company owed them money for advertising.

SI & S Haulage has O-licences for 13 trucks and 14 trailers and operates from three depots in Penrith.

Carlisle Crown Court heard that in 2017 the sisters – Joanne Palmer, 40, and Stephanie Palmer, 38, from Stockport – called the haulier offering advertisng space. The company secretary asked them to send some paperwork for consideration.

However, shortly after the call she received calls claiming there was an outstanding balance owed to pay for advertising. She told the caller she had not agreed to any advertising but the caller claimed she had agreed verbally and there- fore owed money. She then was bombarded with calls every day demanding payment both via the company number and her personal mobile.

Since the company secretary was convinced that the threats would be carried out, and feared for her family’s safety, she began making payments to the sisters, the court heard.

Both sisters also targeted a shellfish firm in Bridlington, making an official there hand over almost £300,000, the court heard. They will be sentenced on 4 August.