Royal Navy warfare specialist avoids jail after allowing bank account for £22k crypto scam

A Royal Navy warfare specialist has managed to avoid jail time after being involved in a cryptocurrency scam that saw £22,000 transferred through his bank account. Cameron Duffy, aged 26, allowed fraudsters to use his online banking login details for the scam, claiming he was deceived into believing they would manage his stock investments while he was on duty aboard a ship.

Duffy’s bank account became a conduit for money taken from fraud victim Craig McKissock, who had £22,795 of his funds moved into Duffy’s account and then into a cryptocurrency account. Despite admitting that the accounts were his, Duffy denied any direct involvement in the fraudulent activity or the transfer of funds. He was found guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court of acquiring, receiving, and possessing criminal property on July 23, 2021.

In sentencing, Sheriff Mary Shields ordered Duffy to undertake 200 hours of unpaid work and wear an electronic tag for six months, confining him to his residence between 7pm and 7am. The court heard that McKissock received a call claiming to be from his bank, informing him that his account had been compromised, with individuals using banking terminology. Names like “Cameron Duffy” and “Gary Clayton” were mentioned during the call, leading to the funds being transferred.

Duffy, a married individual who has since retired on disability grounds, explained to the court that he set up the bank account to save money for his first child and later opened a cryptocurrency account after discussions with colleagues. He mentioned being introduced to the individual behind the scam, known as “D One,” through a friend on the Snapchat app, believing the arrangement to be legitimate.

Although Duffy claimed he was not directly in contact with “D One” after the initial exchange, he found himself locked out of his online banking account and alerted to suspected fraudulent activity. Despite maintaining his innocence throughout the proceedings, the prosecution questioned the credibility of his story, suggesting he was either a naive victim or not forthcoming with the truth.

Sheriff Shields ultimately ruled in the case, expressing doubt over Duffy’s account and concluding that he had possession or control of criminal property. The verdict highlighted the importance of vigilance and caution when it comes to financial transactions and online dealings, underscoring the risks associated with sharing sensitive information or engaging in dubious schemes.

As incidents of financial fraud and cyber scams continue to rise, this case serves as a stark reminder of the need for individuals to exercise caution and diligence in their online activities. It underscores the importance of verifying sources, safeguarding personal information, and being wary of unsolicited requests or offers that seem too good to be true. By staying vigilant and informed, individuals can better protect themselves from falling victim to fraudulent schemes and mitigate potential risks to their financial security.