A STEVENSTON woman confessed to being a “stupid wee lassie” after being used as a pawn by fraudsters in a £6,000 phishing scam.

Natasha Stevens pleaded guilty to three charges at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court last week having admitted to police in November 2020 that she was involved in acquiring and possessing criminal property.

The 23-year-old committed fraud by obtaining £6,000 illegally, withdrawing £3,050 from an account and purchasing more than £2,700 of foreign currency.

Last week’s hearing was told that fraudulent adverts had been placed on social media asking people to withdraw and convert funds into cash.

Stevens was said to have contacted unsuspecting victims purporting to be from their bank, convincing them that their money was compromised and that they needed to move it to a safe account.

The procurator fiscal depute said: “The accused knew the fraudsters through a friend and provided personal details so that money could be launched in her account.

READ MORE: Ayrshire resident warns of 'phishing' scam with fraudsters posing as HMRC staff

“She facilitated in converting the money by fraudsters who drove her to a number of locations.

“Police became aware of the fraud and carried out enquiries, checking bank account details.

“She attended the police station on November 30, 2020, and fully admitted her involvement.

“She told police she had been a ‘stupid wee lassie’ and had only done it ‘because everyone else was doing it’.”

Sheriff Alistair Watson warned Stevens, of Moorpark Road West, he was considering sending her to prison.

The sheriff said: “This is very serious, even for somebody at your age and without previous convictions. The public are entitled to protection from those who would prey upon the savings of innocent people.”

Sentence was deferred until August 15 for the preparation of background reports.