"Thomas Godden, 26, deliberately targeted men who were seeking companionship and a genuine emotional connection, defrauding three individuals out of a combined 28,000. One of the victims lost over 26,000. City of London Police found that Godden used Tinder and Bumble to target gay men, when in reality he was a heterosexual man already in a relationship."
"Godden convinced his victims after quickly forming what the victims believed to be romantic relationships and convinced them to send money for what he said were day-to-day living expenses and travel. He promised the funds would be paid back, but instead used the money to fund his own lifestyle."
"After being challenged about the return of the money, Godden deployed manipulative tactics, or would become hostile. The fraudster made excuses, or threatened to cut off contact and in some cases used emotional blackmail and threats of self-harm."
Thomas Godden, 26, targeted gay men on dating apps while posing as a potential romantic partner, despite being a heterosexual man in a relationship. Two victims were on the autism spectrum and considered vulnerable. Godden convinced victims to send money for living expenses and travel, promising repayment that never occurred. Between September 2022 and November 2024, one victim lost over £26,000. When challenged about returning funds, Godden employed manipulation, hostility, emotional blackmail, and threats of self-harm. Two victims received bank reimbursement, but one faced substantial long-term debt. The investigation by City of London Police's Fraud Operations team uncovered digital evidence of Godden researching romance scam legal consequences.
Read at www.standard.co.uk
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