Woman accused in Jessica Simpson scam

A New Jersey woman has been accused of amassing more than US$12,000 ($17,634) in free merchandise by claiming she was Jessica Simpson's assistant.

Courtney Handel, 23, faces charges of theft by deception, fraud and trademark infringement. Police allege Handel sent emails and faxes to companies posing as Simpson assistant CaCee Cobb.

She told the companies Simpson had expressed interest in their products, but Handel used her own address to receive the goods.