The BBC Local podcast Loved Bombed with Vicky Pattison is back with real-life stories of people who have been the victims of betrayal, deception and mental manipulation.
TV star, author and podcast host Vicky hears from people who thought they had found their soul mate but ended up being tricked out of thousands of pounds and in some cases, almost lost their home.
One of these featured in the five-part series is Priya (not her real name), who started to date a man she met online, but later found out he wasn’t who he said he was. She lost a hundred thousand pounds including priceless family heirlooms to the fraudster, who took advantage of her desire for love, companionship and marriage.
At first it seemed they had much in common but then requests for money began, only modest amounts at first but then becoming thousands.
Priya said: “I didn’t realise this was a scam. I thought romance scams only happened online. They didn’t happen face to face so for me it didn’t feel like a scam until I stopped talking to him and started reflecting.
“I guess I was in a really bad state and I’m not going to deny that, but I knew there was only one way up and that was to get justice.”
Vicky also hears from Suzanne in Hertfordshire, who almost lost her heart, home and hairdressing business to the fraudster she met. It was one lie too many about his health that caught him out. She’s been fighting to get back the twenty thousand pounds she gave him and wants others to hear her story as a warning.
Suzanne said: “There is not enough support for victims like us, or I prefer survivors. It’s a very lonely crime because you honestly feel like you’re the only one. When I went through it, I was 36. How many 36-year-olds do you see on TV that this has happened to.”
There will also be a bonus episode “Love Bombed Presents- Celebrity Scammers” with Vicky talking to author Becky Holmes who talks about those who pretend to be celebrities and ask fans to send money for membership cards, meet and greets and charities.
On this podcast Vicky and Becky reenact conversations she has had with those pretending to be the likes of Keanu Reeves and Mick Jagger to expose the tactics these fraudsters and scammers use in order to get cash.
Vicky Pattison said: “Romance fraud is a particularly cruel crime, preying on people’s trust and emotions in the most intimate of ways.
“It often lurks in the shadows, hidden behind carefully crafted lies and manipulation, making it incredibly difficult to spot until it’s too late.
“I’d like to thank all the brave contributors who have shared their stories and trusted us with their experiences. By shedding light on this issue, we hope to empower others who may be going through something similar to recognise the signs, seek help, and find the courage to speak out. No one should suffer in silence.”
Chris Burns, Controller Local Audio Commissioning, added: “It’s great to have Vicky back tackling this tough topic. I hope the range of stories she covers will help us all understand a bit more about how people are affected and how, even after the worst betrayal, it is possible to rebuild your life.”
The full series of Loved Bombed Presents: Betrayed available now on BBC Sounds.