Quarm falsely assured his victims that the finance contracts would not be processed. He convinced them to obtain these items, which they then handed over to him. Following this, he resorted to threats against both the victims and their families, pressuring them into securing additional financing.
In total, Quarm acquired 55 items valued at over £57,000. Other attempts to obtain additional items were thwarted due to unsuccessful credit checks. Had these attempts succeeded, the total value could have reached around £100,000.
Quarm was arrested on November 7, 2018, and subsequently charged on October 5, 2021. The victims included ten college-aged individuals, both male and female.
Detective Constable Ross Fleming, the investigating officer, emphasized the pervasive nature of fraud in the UK, warning that victims can come from all walks of life. He cautioned that seemingly harmless offers can conceal serious risks and advised the public to approach such opportunities with skepticism.
Fleming urged anyone affected by fraud to report their experiences without fear of judgment, assuring them they would receive support and be treated with respect. The police are committed to securing justice for victims and preventing future incidents.