Jack Watkin, once featured on Channel 4’s Rich Kids of Instagram, has pleaded guilty to a luxury investment fraud that scammed more than £200,000 from individuals and businesses.
Described in court as “charismatic and persuasive,” the 26-year-old from Alderley Edge, Cheshire, lured victims by promising profits from exclusive Hermes handbags, particularly the highly sought-after Birkin range. These bags, available only through invitation, are known for their high resale value—making them appear to be a lucrative investment.
But instead of securing handbags, Watkin used the funds to support a high-end lifestyle—staying at the five-star Dorchester Hotel in London and shopping at Harrods.
Chester Crown Court heard that victims, convinced by Watkin’s polished social media presence flaunting luxury cars, hotels, and designer fashion, handed over large sums in hopes of high returns or rare fashion items. One woman gave thousands, believing she was buying into the Hermes scheme—unaware she was actually covering Watkin’s hotel bills.
Cheshire Police confirmed that none of the promised goods or profits materialized. “The defendant would make excuses and avoid the complainants, all the while spending large sums of money on maintaining his seemingly lavish lifestyle,” said prosecutor Matthew Kerruish-Jones.
Watkin, who has already been convicted of nine offences related to indecent images found on his phone, is currently in custody and awaits sentencing on all charges on 3 September.
Detective Constable Gareth Yates commented, “He built a fake lifestyle on social media that gave him credibility. That image allowed him to carry out this fraud.”
Senior crown prosecutor Laura Atherton said the case spanned several years and involved both fraud and deception. “It was all lies,” she said. “To convince someone for that long that you’ll repay money or deliver goods, you have to be incredibly persuasive.”
