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Cieran G.* seems like the perfect guy on Tinder, Bumble and Hinge: rich, attractive, well-dressed – an obviously successful businessman. Of course, for the Brit it was like winning the lottery for many women on the dating platforms. Until the alleged dream man asked her for money, lined his pockets and then disappeared from her life.
Cieran McNamara, Myles McNamara, James McNamara – all names used by the new “Tinder scammer”. He was this week sentenced to seven years in prison for defrauding several women of hundreds of thousands of pounds, the Daily Mail reported. One of his victims alone cost him more than £250,000. The fraudster’s extravagant lifestyle was just a facade; in reality he lived without a roof over his head, had hardly any money and was unemployed.
The women he has excluded want to maintain their anonymity. But they all tell the same story: how handsome, charming and capable he was. One of his victims described him as “Prince Charming”, another told the Daily Mail: “He was flirty and very sexual from the start. I enjoyed the banter, something that made me laugh and feel good.”
Even his own elders were not spared
His trick was always the same: gain trust and after a while ask for money because of all kinds of grievances. Once it was the lost wallet, he needed money to go to his best friend’s wedding. His victims repeatedly gave him the cut they needed, believing they would get their money back.
G. started his fraud career at a young age: his single mother had psychological problems and gave her son to his grandmother. Kathleen O.* was shocked when the priest told her that her then 14-year-old grandson and altar boy had helped himself to the church collection. But he didn’t stop there: by memorizing his grandmother’s credit card details, he paid for flights and luxury goods. He stole a total of £70,000 from her.
He is autistic
According to his family, who no longer want anything to do with him, G. is autistic. He attended a school for children with special needs until he was eleven. His family felt sorry for the boy: he was quiet and bullied by other children. To cheer him up, they often gave him presents. Something he quickly learned to exploit.
The fraudster will spend the next seven years in a Liverpool prison. Although one of his victims was able to get the money back with help from her bank, it is unclear what the financial situation of the other victims is.
*Name known
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
