Serial Fraudster Released Early After Preying on Vulnerable Women
A prolific fraudster who deceived four women out of £40,000 with a complex web of lies has been released from prison after serving less than five months of a 34-month sentence. Ben Millin, 33, was described by investigating officers as one of the most manipulative criminals they had ever encountered, using false stories about hospital visits, dead family members, and frozen bank accounts to exploit his victims.
Elaborate Deception and Heartless Lies
One of Millin's victims, Fiona Mulkerrins-Dixon, 37, lost £5,500 during an eight-month relationship where the fraudster claimed to be visiting hospital for a heart condition. In reality, he was attending court for a previous fraud offence where he had conned another woman out of £20,000. Millin admitted to four counts of fraud by false representation at Taunton Crown Court in July 2025.
The scale of Millin's deception was staggering. He told Ms Mulkerrins-Dixon that his biological father had died in a car crash and that he was born in Naples. He fabricated text messages from a non-existent fiancée and claimed to be a victim of fraud himself to justify requests for money.
Trauma and Recovery for Victims
Ms Mulkerrins-Dixon, who now suffers from PTSD as a result of the trauma, described Millin as "a very evil and sick man" who "completely broke" her. She explained: "I haven't been living the past four years, I have been merely surviving. The only thing that motivates me is getting the truth out there about this man who has ruined many women's lives."
The couple met in July 2021 at an after-work drinks event in Exeter. Millin began his deception within hours, exploiting Ms Mulkerrins-Dixon's vulnerability following the sudden death of her dog. He initially borrowed small amounts of money, from £5 to £40, and promptly repaid them to build trust before escalating to larger sums.
Police Describe 'Master of Manipulation'
DC Claire Morgan, the officer in charge of the case, stated: "Ben Millin preyed on the goodwill of his victims by spinning a web of lies. He tricked them into being sympathetic towards him. I've been investigating crimes for 18 years and Ben Millin is by far the most complex character I have met in regards to the deceit and lies he managed to maintain. He was a master of manipulation."
Millin's release has sparked outrage among his victims. Despite receiving a 34-month prison sentence, restraining orders preventing contact with victims, and a five-year serious crime prevention order, he walked free after serving minimal time. Ms Mulkerrins-Dixon is now campaigning for tougher sentences for romance fraud offenders.
Campaign for Justice and Awareness
"It should not just be fraud! He ruined our lives and is now walking free," Ms Mulkerrins-Dixon declared. "A big reason why victims don't come forward is because they don't trust in the justice system. I hope things change for future survivors. I hope my fight will be for something."
The victim emphasized that romance fraud constitutes coercive control and that victims should not feel embarrassed about coming forward. She has since found strength in rescuing another dog named Rocco and hopes her story will encourage other victims to report similar crimes.
DC Morgan added: "By coming forward those women helped to protect others being targeted by him and potentially other crimes from happening. Hopefully convictions like this give confidence to those people to report what has happened so we can help them."
