Wedding Guest Fraud: Woman Scams Friends Out of Thousands for Thailand Ceremony

A woman was found to have defrauded several wedding guests, including the only bridesmaid, out of thousands of pounds designated for travel and accommodation for a wedding in Thailand. Natalie Green, 41, engaged in a fraudulent scheme where she falsely claimed she would organize travel arrangements for 19 people.

The scam was uncovered just days before the wedding of Elaine and Marc Walker, who are from Peterhead in Aberdeenshire, set to occur in 2022. As a result, Elaine Walker’s mother covered the cost for the affected guests to travel to Thailand, despite being advised against traveling herself due to a recent cancer diagnosis.

In Peterhead Sheriff Court, Green admitted to her actions and was sentenced to a two-year supervision order and ordered to pay £5,697 in compensation; she had previously repaid £1,650. The total money involved in the fraud amounted to £7,547, collected between January 2021 and August 2022.

Elaine Walker described the discovery of the fraud as shocking, especially learning about it only two days before flying out for her wedding. The details emerged after several missed calls from distressed friends, revealing that the arrangements had never been booked despite Green’s assurances and supposed proofs of bookings.

Chevonne Millar, one of the deceived guests and a long-time friend of Green, recounted trusting Green to handle the bookings due to her claims of being a student and helping out the full-time working friends. However, it was revealed close to the departure date that no bookings were made and the funds had been misused.

The bride expressed that the incident had marred what was meant to be the most joyous occasion of her life. Upon returning home, she received an apology and a card from Green, which she disposed of immediately.

The court was informed that Green was remorseful for her actions, acknowledging the loss of friendships and her embarrassment. Her solicitor mentioned that she was dealing with debt and health issues at the time of the incident.