A self-acclaimed “rich kid” influencer who called himself the “Kardashian of Cheshire” has pleaded guilty to mass fraud, after his fake luxury lifestyle was fully unmasked in court.
Jack Watkin, a 26-year-old who appeared in Rich Kids of Instagram back in 2016, had spent years showing off a glamorous life online, designer clothes, fancy hotels, luxury cars, and wild shopping sprees. But behind the filters and flashy captions, it was all a massive fraud.
His ‘influencer’ life was a lie
Jack Watkin via SWNS
Watkin claimed to be a luxury fashion reseller, telling people he could get exclusive items like Hermès handbags and flip them for profit. He convinced friends, followers, and even his own father to lend him large amounts of money, all based on this fake business front.
But instead of buying the promised goods, he spent the money on his own lifestyle. We’re talking shopping at Harrods, stays at The Dorchester, and more than £100,000 blown on hotels and luxury items.
One friend handed over £98,500, a boutique owner lost £43,800, and his dad lost £24,500. The total came to over £195,000. None of them saw the money or the handbags, again.
He was arrested and has now pleaded guilty
Jack Watkin via SWNS
According to the police, Watkin built his online brand around luxury and wealth, gaining followers who believed the image. He used that trust to scam people into giving him money.
Detective Constable Gareth Yates explained it clearly: “He often described himself as the Kardashian of Cheshire… but in reality, he was just stealing money to fund his obsession with luxury.”
Prosecutors said Watkin would make endless excuses when victims asked for their money or products. Meanwhile, he carried on showing off his lifestyle online, living large while others were left out of pocket.
On the second day of his trial at Chester Crown Court, Watkin admitted to six counts of fraud. The judge warned him a prison sentence is now likely. Three other charges, one more fraud and two counts of theft, were left on file.
He’s already been convicted earlier this year for nine offences involving indecent images.
He is now in custody and will be sentenced on September 3.
Police say his crimes didn’t just leave people thousands of pounds in loss, but they also damaged reputations and businesses. His so-called influencer image turned out to be nothing more than smoke and mirrors.
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