Jack Watkin promised rare handbags and big returns—but splashed victims’ cash on luxury hotels

A social media influencer who featured on Rich Kids of Instagram has admitted scamming victims out of over £200,000 through a bogus Hermes handbag investment scheme—money he instead blew on designer gear, luxury hotels, and a lifestyle fuelled by deceit.

Jack Watkin, 26, from Alderley Edge in Cheshire, built his scam around exclusive Hermes Birkin bags—status symbols known for their rarity and sky-high resale value. Posing as a glamorous entrepreneur with industry connections, he duped victims into parting with thousands, promising them either the bags themselves or a share in the profits from reselling them.

But as Chester Crown Court heard, the money never made it near a Birkin.

Instead, Watkin headed straight to Harrods, splurging on Dolce & Gabbana jackets, Gucci trainers, and a suite at London’s five-star Dorchester hotel. He cultivated an online persona dripping in luxury—opulent dinners, high-end fashion, luxury cars—all bankrolled by deception.

Prosecutor Matthew Kerruish-Jones said Watkin had created “an outward façade of a glamorous and luxurious lifestyle” which “engendered trust” among his victims.

“People believed in him, thinking they were investing in genuine opportunities,” he said. “But neither the goods nor the profits ever materialised.”

One woman, taken in by his charm, transferred thousands thinking she was investing in a handbag. In reality, she unknowingly paid Watkin’s hotel bill. She never received a single item or any return on her money.

Police later found luxury Hermes crockery among his purchases—plates worth hundreds, all bought with stolen funds.

Watkin pleaded guilty to six counts of fraud on the second day of his trial. Cheshire Police revealed his victims included both businesses and private individuals, and that the total fraud exceeded £200,000.

But the deceit didn’t stop at fraud. During the investigation, officers also found indecent images of children on Watkin’s mobile phone, including material from the most serious legal category. He was convicted earlier this year of nine offences related to the images.

He will now be sentenced for both the fraud and child abuse image offences on 3 September.

Detective Constable Gareth Yates said Watkin was a manipulator who “created a ruse to be the fraudster we now know and convicted”.

“He built his brand on Instagram—a lifestyle of exuberance, luxury hotels, designer clothes, and high-end shopping. But it was all based on lies,” he added.

A mugshot released by Cheshire Police shows Watkin with long, tied-back hair and a grey jumper—a far cry from the flamboyant leopard prints and luxury labels he once flaunted online.

Senior crown prosecutor Laura Atherton called it “a complicated case with many layers,” revealing some victims believed they were buying gifts while others were lured in by promises of quick profits.

“It was all lies,” she said bluntly. “Clearly, to sustain this level of deceit over time, Watkin had to be incredibly charismatic and persuasive. But now the truth is out—and he’ll face justice.”

Watkin remains in custody ahead of sentencing.