Loved Bombed with Vicky Pattison is back with a host of new romance fraud stories
BBC Local podcast Loved Bombed is back with Vicky Pattison telling the real-life stories of people who have been the victims of betrayal, deception and mental manipulation.
In this new five-part series, TV star, author and podcast host Vicky Pattison hears from people who thought they had found their soul mate but ended up being tricked out of thousands of pounds and on some cases almost lost their home.
In the series available on BBC Sounds, Vicky Pattison, hears from Priya (not her real name), who started to date a man she met online, but eventually discovered he was not who he said he was. Priya lost a hundred thousand pounds including priceless family heirlooms to the ruthless fraudster, who preyed on her desire for love, companionship and marriage.
Priya says at the start of the relationship they seemed to have so much in common. They were both home birds, they shared a culture and thought family and friends were important. 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. However, it was one lie too many about his health that was to catch him out. She has since fought 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 is happened to.'
There will also be a bonus episode 'Love Bombed Presents- Celebrity Scammers' with Vicky talking to author Becky Holmes who turns the tables on a particular type of online fraudster – 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. Together they pinpoint the tactics a host of 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, said: '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."
Loved Bombed Presents: 'Betrayed' is a BBC Local production for BBC Sounds, The full series is available now (Wednesday 5th February) on BBC Sounds.
Listen to Love Bombed on BBC Sounds
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