Man sentenced for £200,000 fraud posing as mortgage advisor
Adam Francis receives suspended sentence for deceitful actions
Last updated 27th Jul 2026
Adam Francis, aged 48, from Rowan Rise, Banton, has been sentenced at Chester Crown Court after posing as a mortgage advisor and defrauding four individuals out of over £200,000.
Appearing in court on 24th July, Francis received a 25-month suspended prison sentence, alongside up to 20 days of rehabilitation requirements.
Francis had previously admitted to four counts of fraud by false representation, deceiving victims seeking mortgage assistance between February 2017 and August 2018 through misleading advertisements as the ‘Mortgage Man’.
Working with a second defendant, who has since passed away, Francis duped victims into believing they were receiving legitimate mortgage services, extracting deposits and fees under false pretenses.
The meticulous scheme involved engaging professionals, estate agents, and legitimate mortgage advisors, providing victims the illusion of a legitimate process while absconding with all their money.
Victims realized the deception upon inquiry with solicitors, leading to an investigation by Cheshire Police that resulted in Francis' arrest. Losses reported amounted to just over £203,436.
Detective Constable Catrin Phoenix of Cheshire police described Francis as cunning and deceitful, misappropriating victims' funds for personal gain.
While recovery of funds remains unachieved, accountability through sentencing offers victims some closure.
During the hearing, His Honour Judge Everett condemned Francis' actions as "totally shameful" and "a con from beginning to end," recognizing the significant distress caused.