Romance Scammer Posing as Gay Man Sentenced to Three Years in Prison
Thomas Godden, a 26-year-old man with no fixed abode, has been sentenced to three years in prison for defrauding three men out of more than £28,000 through dating apps. Between July and November 2022, Godden used platforms including Bumble to pose as a gay man seeking a romantic relationship, despite being in a heterosexual partnership at the time.
Manipulative Tactics and Financial Exploitation
Godden convinced his victims to send him money for day-to-day living costs, travel, and other expenses, repeatedly promising repayment that never materialized. In reality, he used the funds to support his own lifestyle, leaving one victim in significant debt after stealing £26,483. The other victims lost £1,869 and £135.50, respectively. Two of the men were particularly vulnerable, as they are on the autism spectrum.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The scam came to light after the victims reported the incidents to Action Fraud, now replaced by the Report Fraud Service. The City of London Police, serving as the national lead force for fraud, launched an investigation. Detectives uncovered evidence that Godden had searched online for queries such as "Can you go to jail for romance scamming?" and "Can you go to the police if someone owes you money?"
When confronted by the victims about repaying the money, Godden responded with hostility, made excuses, or threatened to cut off contact. He also employed emotional blackmail, including threats of self-harm, to maintain control and continue receiving funds.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
In December 2025, Godden pleaded guilty to three charges of fraud by false representation. He was subsequently sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court. Detective Constable Melissa Morgan from the City of London Police's Fraud Operations team commented, "Godden deliberately targeted men who were seeking companionship and a genuine emotional connection. He abused their trust, manipulated their vulnerabilities, and caused significant financial and emotional harm."
She emphasized that this was a calculated pattern of offending, not a misunderstanding, but a clear case of fraud by false representation.
Response from Bumble
A spokesperson for Bumble expressed deep concern over the incidents, stating, "We are saddened to hear of these experiences. The safety of our members is our top priority, and fraudulent activity is not tolerated on Bumble." The company highlighted that their teams investigate suspicious profiles and take action when community guidelines are violated.
They advised users to be aware of red flags, such as requests for money, pressure to move quickly, avoidance of in-person or video interactions, and attempts to take conversations off the app. Bumble encourages members to keep chats on their platform, proceed at their own pace, and report any uncomfortable interactions.
