A Cruel Deception That Shattered Trust
A devastating case of romance fraud has come to light after a Greater Manchester woman was conned out of more than £20,000 by a criminal pretending to be a beloved Emmerdale actor. What began as innocent online chats soon spiraled into months of manipulation, with the victim believing she was helping someone she admired.
The scammer cleverly played on her emotions, moving from social media messages to regular phone calls. Trust was built, hope was nurtured — and slowly, the financial requests began. Over eight months, the woman transferred money in small amounts, believing she was aiding her new connection through a series of personal and family crises.
The Spoiler Twist: How the Scam Played Out
The victim was told her money would help pay for a court case, replace broken household items, and even support a sick family member abroad. Each time, she was reassured that the funds were only temporary and would be repaid. But the promises were empty, and the fraudster vanished with her life savings.
In another disturbing case, a separate woman handed over nearly £10,000 after being targeted by a con artist pretending to be another celebrity. This scam stretched on for over a year before the victim finally reported it to her bank.
Together, these stories expose the cruel lengths criminals will go to, exploiting both trust and admiration for well-known public figures.
A Wider Epidemic of Romance Fraud
These aren’t isolated tragedies. Since January alone, 148 reports of romance fraud have been filed in Greater Manchester, with losses topping £1 million. In 2024, that number reached 267 cases, costing victims a staggering £2.67 million. Nationwide, the problem is even worse — over £106 million stolen in a single year.
The emotional impact is just as severe as the financial one. Detective Inspector Stacey Shannon of the Cyber and Economic Crime Awareness Service (CECAS) explained:
“The impact of romance fraud is profound, affecting victims emotionally and financially. Our team is here to support victims through the devastating trauma it can have on our community.”
Support and Protection for Victims
Both women in these recent cases are now receiving help from GMP’s specialist officers. Alongside police support, groups like LoveSaid provide vital emotional care for those left heartbroken and financially ruined.
To raise awareness, officers and volunteers from CECAS are staging events across Greater Manchester. These sessions aim to give practical advice on spotting red flags, protecting personal data, and staying safe online.
Upcoming events include:
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1 October – Merseyway Shopping Centre, Stockport (10am–1pm)
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2 October – Market Place, Oldham / Halifax, Rochdale / Yorkshire BS, Stockport (all 10am–1pm)
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3 October – Alkrington Library, Middleton (10am–1pm)
How to Protect Yourself from Romance Fraud
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Never send money. No matter how urgent or emotional the request, financial help should be a red flag in online-only relationships.
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Get to know the person, not the profile. Reverse-image search photos and verify details before trusting.
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Talk to friends and family. A second opinion can expose inconsistencies you might miss.
Final Thoughts
These heartbreaking cases remind us that romance fraud is more than financial theft — it’s emotional devastation dressed as love. Criminals prey on vulnerability, trust, and hope. But with awareness, vigilance, and community support, more people can protect themselves from falling victim to the same painful scam.
