TL;DR: On March 17, 2026, the CPS reported that a 26-year-old man was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment at Canterbury Crown Court after defrauding three men he met on Tinder and Bumble of £28,502.96. He pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud on December 15, 2025. Two of the victims were reimbursed by their banks.
What happened
The CPS says he posed as a gay man seeking a relationship while in a heterosexual relationship himself. Losses were £1,869.90 (July to August 2022), £26,483.06 (September 2022 to December 2024) and £150.00 (November to December 2022).
He claimed the money was for living costs and promised repayment, which he never intended to make.
Why it works
A slow, personal relationship makes small requests feel reasonable, and a promise of repayment makes giving money feel safe. The largest loss here built up over more than two years.
The CPS page gives no prevention advice. Its main practical point is that reporting fraud led to bank reimbursement for two of the victims.
Background: our explainers on dating and romance scam red flags and romance scam recovery steps. See also Romance Fraudster Jailed 7 Years After £180,000 Inheritance Lie and Seven Arrested in Nigeria Over Alleged Crypto Scam Centre. For wider numbers, see our data page on average loss per victim by scam type.
Practical steps
- Be careful with money requests from someone you have not met in person, however long you have been talking.
- Report the fraud to your bank quickly, as two victims here were reimbursed after reporting.
- Tell a friend about the relationship and the requests.
- Report to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at reportfraud.police.uk.
If you have already sent money
Contact your bank immediately, using the number on your card or by dialling 159, and ask about stopping the payment and reimbursement, then report it to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Our guides on UK fraud reporting and APP reimbursement rules, UK bank impersonation scams and how to reverse a wire transfer scam explain what to expect, and what to do after a scam, wherever you live covers the first 24 hours. Scammers often start with details taken from past leaks, so run our free digital footprint check to see what of yours is already exposed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did the man take?
£28,502.96 from three men, according to the CPS release of March 17, 2026.
What was the sentence?
Three years’ imprisonment at Canterbury Crown Court.
Did victims get their money back?
Two of the three were reimbursed by their banks after reporting the fraud.
Will the CPS prosecute romance fraud?
The CPS says it will prosecute romance fraud cases when there is enough evidence.
Sources
- CPS London South: Sentenced, man convicted of defrauding three men in romance fraud (Mar 17, 2026)
- Report Fraud (reportfraud.police.uk)
Related Reading
- Romance Fraudster Jailed 7 Years After £180,000 Inheritance Lie
- Seven Arrested in Nigeria Over Alleged Crypto Scam Centre
- Alberta RCMP Charge Man Over C$160,000 Sports Company Scheme
- UK Scam News: October 2026 Roundup and Warnings
- Average Loss per Victim by Scam Type (2025)
- What to do after a scam, wherever you live