A bank worker from Wymondham could be jailed after admitting defrauding customers of more than �30,000 in an elaborate loans scam.Over the course of 10 months, Brittany Perfect stole thousands of pounds a time from customers applying for loans at the Attleborough branch of Barclays, where she worked.

A bank worker from Wymondham could be jailed after admitting defrauding customers of more than �30,000 in an elaborate loans scam.

Over the course of 10 months, Brittany Perfect stole thousands of pounds a time from customers applying for loans at the Attleborough branch of Barclays, where she worked. She was caught out when bank auditors noticed irregularities.

The 22-year-old, of Greenland Avenue, Wymondham, admitted five counts of fraud when she appeared at Norwich Crown Court on Tuesday. The offences range in value from �300 to �20,650 between February and November last year.

Three people were arrested in a major fraud investigation when suspicion emerged in November. Nobody else was charged with any offence.

One victim told the Mercury: 'We haven't lost out financially because the bank covered the loss but it was still very stressful. We thought we could trust our local branch, particularly as Barclays is a reputable firm, but this makes you question that.'

A spokesman for the Crown Prosecution Service said the charges represented a breach of trust as customers had relied upon Perfect to safeguard their financial interests.

The scam centred around issuing loans for more than the amount requested and pocketing the difference.

It is believed Perfect spent thousands of pounds from her crimes to supplement her lifestyle, however she could be forced to repay the money taken as prosecutors look set to pursue an application under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Sentencing was adjourned until later this month while probation reports are prepared. However, the judge left all options open and a lengthy jail term is possible.

A spokesman for Barclays said that anybody suspected of such an offence would be suspended and dismissed if found guilty.

He added: 'Barclays spends a great deal of time and money protecting the interests of our customers and ourselves against the actions of would-be fraudsters. No priority comes higher.

'Customers should be reassured that if they fall victim to fraud on their account they are protected and won't suffer financial loss as a result. 'We employ 60,000 people in the UK and staff fraud is rare. However, it is something that can happen in any organisation no matter how stringent the vetting procedures are. We are alive to the possibility, take steps to minimise the risk and detect it quickly if it happens.

'We have a zero tolerance policy towards staff fraud. Where any employee involvement is suspected, individuals will be suspended, investigated and where there is evidence of misconduct dismissed.

'We always provide every assistance to the police to enable them to prosecute suspected fraudsters whether internal or external.'