Heartless Dating App Scam: Couple Posed as Singles to Swindle £80k from Vulnerable Women

In a disturbing case of calculated deception, a couple systematically targeted vulnerable single women through dating apps, posing as genuine romantic prospects while secretly working together to drain their victims' savings.

Carl and Kelly Barnes, both 34, created elaborate fake identities on popular dating platforms, presenting themselves as available singles seeking meaningful relationships. Over an 18-month period, they emotionally manipulated multiple women before fabricating financial emergencies to extract money from their victims.

The Anatomy of a Modern Romance Scam

The fraudsters employed sophisticated psychological tactics to build trust and create emotional dependency with their targets. Their method followed a clear pattern:

Initial Contact: Creating compelling profiles with attractive photos and convincing personal details
Emotional Bonding: Engaging in intensive messaging to establish romantic connections
Financial Crisis: Inventing urgent situations requiring immediate financial assistance
Continued Exploitation: Maintaining pressure for additional payments while stringing along the relationship

Devastating Impact on Victims

The emotional and financial toll on the victims has been profound. One woman lost over £25,000 to the scheme, while others saw their life savings disappear. Many victims reported experiencing significant psychological distress, with some struggling to trust potential partners again.

"The betrayal cuts deep," explained a fraud prevention expert. "These criminals don't just steal money—they steal victims' sense of security and their ability to form future relationships."

Justice Served with Prison Sentences

Following an extensive investigation by the Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit, both perpetrators have received substantial prison sentences. Carl Barnes was sentenced to three years and four months, while Kelly Barnes received two years and eight months for her role in the sophisticated operation.

The judge described their actions as "a callous and systematic exploitation of vulnerable individuals" and highlighted the need for stronger awareness around romance fraud prevention.