A CASH loans company worker made money to the tune of almost £2,000 in a payments scam.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Yasir Hussain, 25, got loans in real and fictitious names and pocketed the proceeds when he worked for Provident Personal Credit Ltd as a self employed agent in October and November 2008.

The defendant, whose actions cost the company even more than the £1,800 he made, duped one woman into filling in forms which she then signed. She did not get the £100 loan Hussain had mislead her into applying for, but he got the money instead.

Hussain, of Smith Street, Nelson, admitted seven counts of fraud.

He was given a community order with 240 hours unpaid work, by Recorder Neil Flewitt, QC. He may face a proceeds of crime hearing.

Joanna Rodikis, prosecuting, told the court Provident Personal Credit Ltd specialised in small cash loans.

The defendant could issue new loans within defined parameters but loans had to be sanctioned by his line manager.

Hussain carried out the frauds either by making up names or using the names of people he knew.

On October 15, a woman was approached by the defendant who offered her a loan.

A transaction took place in a car, she completed various forms, but she was told she had been unsuccessful.

Miss Rodikis said the defendant told her he would try and get a loan from another company. She filled in more forms and later received a letter from Provident telling her she had a loan for £100.

She never received it and telephoned the company and bosses started an investigation.

They found the defendant had got a £300 loan, forging the details of a neighbour and friend, which the victim knew nothing about, and Hussain received the money.

Miss Rodikis said when Hussain was arrested and interviewed he remained silent throughout.

When the company's internal investigations were put to him, he made some admissions.