A father and son from Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, have been jailed for orchestrating a £136,000 refund scam involving discounted steam irons. Paul Mathews, 62, and his son, Dean Mathews, 40, used forged receipts to return 528 reconditioned steam irons to Argos stores over a period of three years, fraudulently claiming refunds.
The Mathews duo admitted to conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering at Norwich Crown Court, receiving jail sentences of three years and two years, respectively. Their scheme involved purchasing heavily discounted Tefal steam irons, which retailed for £400 when new, and then using fake receipts to claim refunds at various Argos locations.
City of London Police Detective Chief Inspector Lee Parish described the operation as an “elaborate plot” with the simple goal of making as much money as possible. Parish noted that both men would now face time in prison, serving as a cautionary tale for those considering illegal schemes to get rich quickly.
The scam, which began in 2021, was uncovered when Argos noticed suspicious patterns linked to Paul Mathews and his son. CCTV footage captured both men and their vehicles visiting multiple Argos stores, coordinating with fraudulent refund transactions. Despite being arrested in February, they continued pursuing illegal refunds while out on bail.
During a police search of their home, officers discovered hidden bank cards linked to the fraudulent activity inside a clock, along with three Tefal steam irons. Detective Chief Inspector Parish emphasized the broader impact of such frauds on businesses, noting that they undermine companies’ ability to pay employees, provide health benefits, and sustain their operations.
