Serial Cheque Scammer - Legal Course?

[sisi]

I made a post last week regarding a man who scammed me with a bad cheque --> http://www.saafe.info/main/index.php?topic=10726.0
It has come to my attention that he has done this to other women. Two of them holding bounced cheques are willing to come forward, one is hesitant. I am still awaiting hearing back from others I contacted asking about this man.

I have sent a letter to him with notice of my intent to begin legal action (small claims), but I now doubt he has the money for me and for anyone else he scammed. Now that others are coming forward, I'd like to know what the best course of action is that we can take against him?

Do we all each file small claims? (I am not sure how worthwhile this is)

Do the three of us go together to the police with our evidence?

Do we need more of us coming forwards for the police to do anything?

I just would like an idea of the best course of action to take. If anyone has any idea, your input would be greatly received.

[xw5]

Sadly, I knew there would be more than one of you.

Criminal

The criminal offence now is 'obtaining services dishonestly' (Section 11 of the Fraud Act 2006 - more info: http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/d_to_g/fraud_act/#a16).

Yes, it helps enormously if there is more than one of you. The case mentioned at http://www.saafe.info/main/index.php?topic=1582 involved three or four escorts complaining at the start and ended up with ten, but based on what you were scammed for, the amount will already probably be similar to the end total. (The more money is involved, the more they pay attention to the complaint.)

It also helps enormously if the police you speak to have a clue. Somewhere like the Praed St Project should have good contacts, so my first step would be talking to them.

Civil

If it gets to the small claims court, you will win. The problem often comes in collecting the money awarded in the judgement. How rich do you think he actually is (rather than how rich does he pretend to be)? How much does his credit rating matter to him?

Doing it together should be cheaper (one set of court fees) but if there is any doubt about everyone getting the money, you may want to start now and be first in the queue for it.

If he knows the police are interested and realises this could mean jail time, then you may find he suddenly becomes a lot more interested in paying you all off. Or, depending on his real situation, he may go on a long holiday abroad... or end up on one 'inside'.

[Coty]

May I ask where he's based as I had this happen to me when I first started nearly 3 years ago, but that wasn't his name. Just wondering if it's the same person.

[sisi]

Ian, thank you sooo much. My progress would honestly not be without your advice. This is helpful info, I'll make sure the girls I've spoken to are aware of this.

As Coty asked, the man is based in London. Just so people know.