Shortman, from Pontypool in South Wales, advertised mobile phones, cameras and camcorders for sale on eBay, and when contacted by successful bidders, asked them to pay in cash or by cheque.
But the goods did not actually exist and when angry purchasers tried to contact Shortman he either ignored the calls, or became aggressive, taunting victims with comments like "This is my business – I make people fools," according to reports.
In all, police received 21 complaints against Shortman, who admitted the offences, and asked for a further 64 to be taken into account.
Shortman, who was 17 at the time of the offences, used the money to fund a lavish lifestyle. When police caught up with him he had only £615 left, according to reports.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, eBay.co.uk's head of trust and safety, Garreth Griffith, suggested that the purchasers had not followed security measures, which include reading feedback posted by earlier customers and using a credit card – with its attendant insurances – when purchasing on-line.
