MONTEGO BAY, St James — A phone deal advertised on social media has landed a St James man before the court, after two women say they paid thousands of dollars and received nothing in return.

Shadrock Skyers was taken to the St James Parish Court on Wednesday, where he appeared before Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton on charges of conspiracy to defraud.

The allegations are that both complainants were lured by an Instagram page advertising iPhones and Samsung phones for sale at attractive prices. One complainant reportedly showed interest in an iPhone 16 Plus listed for $106,000. She was allegedly told that a 50 per cent downpayment was required before the transaction could move forward. After providing her banking details, she deposited $53,000 on January 16 and awaited instructions to collect the device the following day.

The other complainant is said to have pursued a Samsung Ultra 23 being advertised for $65,000 as part of a Valentine’s Day special. She reportedly made a deposit on February 3 and was told the phone would be sent via Knutsford Express bus service. No delivery ever came.

When the complainant who had an interest in the Samsung phone followed up on February 5, the seller allegedly told her that another device would be available and that her original phone would not be ready until February 11, which she reportedly did not accept. She was then told that a Samsung Ultra 24 could be provided for $100,000 and that she would only need to pay the remaining balance the following day. She agreed and sent an additional $35,000. However, to date, neither complainant has received a phone.

The matter was reported to the police, and Skyers was arrested and charged.

During Wednesday’s hearing the court was told that a bank statement and the arresting officer’s statement remain outstanding.

Judge Fairclough-Hylton later varied Skyers’ bail, ordering him to report to a specific police station on designated days and to relocate.

He is to return to court on June 3.