Gambling Addict Swindles Pensioners Out of Nearly £115,000
In 2015, Max Evans conned a pensioner into handing over access to their money. He claimed he would move their funds into a savings account to earn interest.
£79,000 Lost Betting, Not Saved
Over five years, Evans received almost £79,000 from this victim. Instead of investing it, he blew the entire sum on gambling. Using the same scam, he also tricked an elderly relative out of £35,000 between 2017 and 2021 — money that was similarly lost at the bookmakers.
Third Victim Falls for Lies About Homelessness
Police were alerted when the first pensioner struggled to pay bills, sparking an investigation. Examining Evans’ financial and phone records revealed a third victim who had loaned him a large sum after Evans lied about rent arrears and homelessness risk. Once again, the cash vanished on bets.
Evans Sentenced to Over Three Years in Prison
Max Evans, 30, of Tydeman Road, Bearsted, pled guilty to three counts of fraud by false representation and money laundering. On 28 June 2023, Maidstone Crown Court sentenced him to three years and four months behind bars.
“Evans told lies to his victims to gain access to their money and then frittered the entire amount to pay for his gambling habit,” said Detective Constable Katie Gregory of West Kent CID. “The victims could not afford to lose these funds, and the relative who lost their cash sadly died before the case came to court. Evans’ actions can only be described as despicable, and he should seek help with his addiction while serving his prison sentence.”
