A convicted fraudster posted images of other people's babies on social media and claimed they were sick or dead in a bid to get people to hand over money.
Norwich woman Kati Ringer targeted two strangers, copied and hijacked their Instagram accounts and claimed the women's babies were her own.
Norwich Magistrates heard she used the pictures of the babies – one who was premature and another newborn – on online sites she had set up asking for money. She even claimed that one of the babies was dead.
The 21-year-old was caught by police who used controversial powers to spy on her.
Ringer was jailed in 2015 for 23 similar offences. Basildon Crown Court was told she pretended to need money for her dead baby's funeral and also begged for cash to support a fictional sick child.
She also abused a number of victims over the internet, posting photos of their children accompanied by 'vile' comments, the court heard.
At yesterday's hearing Denise Holland, prosecuting, said one of the latest victims found an image of her newborn child on a site to raise money in memory of a dead child.
She discovered that Ringer had set up a site 'claiming the child was hers and that the child had died and, it seems, was trying to get money'. When challenged Ringer said she was going to 'rape and harm' the child. Ringer also made threats to the other victim.
After finding out a picture of her premature daughter was being used the victim contacted the site to ask not to use the picture or pretend the child was hers. Ringer then threatened to kidnap and kill the child.
Mrs Holland said no money has been made by Ringer as a result of the offences.
Ringer, of Soleme Road, Mile Cross, Norwich, admitted two offences of sending a letter/communication/article conveying indecent/offensive message on March 28 and between March 19 and April 3 this year.
Mrs Holland said 'each and every one' of the previous frauds were similar to the most recent offences.
Ringer was warned 'all options' were open including custody and committing the sentence to the crown court. The case was adjourned until October 3.
Gavin Cowe, mitigating, said Ringer was being treated for a personality disorder and suffered from PTSD, anxiety and depression.
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