Man who pretended to be gay on dating apps jailed for £28,000 romance fraud

A man who posed as a gay man on dating apps has been jailed after defrauding multiple victims of more than £28,000 in a calculated romance‑fraud scheme, according to police and prosecuting authorities. 

Thomas Godden, 26, of no fixed abode, targeted men on popular dating platforms including Tinder and Bumble, manipulating them into believing they were entering genuine romantic relationships. In reality, Godden was heterosexual and already in a relationship while exploiting vulnerable men - two of whom were on the autism spectrum - to obtain thousands of pounds under false pretences.

Between July 2022 and November 2024, Godden coaxed victims into sending money for supposed living costs, travel expenses and other fabricated needs, repeatedly assuring them he would repay the funds despite having no intention of doing so. One victim alone lost more than £26,000, leaving him in significant debt.

Across the cases identified: Victim A lost £1,869.90 between July and August 2022; Victim B lost £135.50 between November and December 2022 (or £150.00 in CPS records); Victim C lost £26,483.06 over more than two years.

When questioned about repayment, Godden reportedly became hostile, emotionally manipulative, and at times threatened to cut contact - a classic hallmark of romance‑fraud behaviour, authorities said.

Godden pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud and was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment at Canterbury Crown Court. 

Detective Constable Melissa Morgan of the City of London Police described the scheme as a “calculated pattern of offending” in which Godden deliberately targeted individuals seeking emotional connection. She emphasised the “significant financial and emotional harm” inflicted on the victims.

Claire Campbell, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS London South, noted that Godden had “callously exploited well‑intentioned men seeking connection,” adding that the case demonstrated the CPS’s commitment to prosecuting romance‑fraud offenders when evidence permits.

A spokesperson for Bumble said the company was “deeply concerned” by the case, reiterating its zero‑tolerance stance on fraudulent activity and urging users to remain vigilant for red flags such as rapid emotional escalation, attempts to move conversations off‑platform, and requests for money.