Police have launched an investigation after Liverpool fans lost thousands on a website promoting LFC registration plates.
Sal Adams of Lancashire told number plate owners he could make them up to £100,000 by selling their Reds number plates using his friends at Anfield and contacts in the Middle East.
But fans who put their number plates on the website said that the result was non-existent buyers and demands for up to £2,000 for legal fees and charitable donations.
Adams claimed he set up his website to sell the Fernando Torres plate "F9 LFC" for Unicef.
Following their own inquiries the UN children’s charity have said they do not want their trademark appearing on his site nor will they except donations from him.
Javed Hoque of Birmingham was told his F6 LFC plate was being purchased by Saudi Prince Faisal bin Fahd bin Abdullah as it included the name of his F6 promotions company.
"He was very persuasive. He told me that talks with the Prince’s company were going very well, that this was an incredible opportunity and I had to act quickly. There was a lot of pressure and a lot of chat about how your family can benefit. He said I needed to pay £1,000 only for the solicitors fee. I paid it, but nothing happened." Said the Liverpool fan.
Mr Hoque went on: "He kept going on about what a big Liverpool fan he was but said he really liked Florent Sinama Pongolle."
Michael Guinan, a 31 year old accountant, of Chelmsford, owns the registration FT 09 LFC and was among the fans to contact Mr Adams.
"He promised up to £100,000 but it would cost me £2,000 to host it on the site. I told him straight away that I wouldn’t give him that but eventually I risked £500 up front and the rest at the end of the auction. He told me a guy from Norway had bought it and money was wanted for legal fees."
In e-mails sent to unsuspecting number plate owners Mr Adams writes: "The small fee is nothing to what you will received (sic) for your plates. We have a number of Middle Eastern customers who would place bids for your plate."
Lancashire Police confirmed they had arrested Adams, of Preston New Road, Blackpool, on suspicion of fraud relating to vehicle registrations and that the investigation was continuing.
Reg
