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Thomas Godden Jailed for £28,488 Dating-App Romance Fraud Targeting Gay Men

Police say he posed as gay on dating apps to exploit vulnerable users for cash.

Overview

  • He was sentenced to three years at Canterbury Crown Court on February 17, 2026, after pleading guilty to three counts of fraud by false representation in December 2025.
  • Investigators say he deceived three men between July and November 2022 by promising to repay money sent for living and travel costs.
  • When pressed for repayment, he became hostile, threatened to cut off contact, and used emotional blackmail including threats of self-harm.
  • City of London Police opened the case after Action Fraud referrals and recovered internet searches about romance scamming that showed he was using the apps solely to obtain money.
  • Two victims were on the autism spectrum, two were reimbursed by banks, and one remains in substantial debt as Bumble reiterated safety guidance and red flags for users.