Latest news with #CentralQueenslandUniversity
The Age
19-05-2025
- The Age
A con artist made these chilling confessions. Then a criminologist dissected every word
David Prince-Popovich was asked if his ex-boyfriend, who once described him as the love of his life, was right to call him a narcissistic sociopath. 'Yeah,' the convicted con artist replied. 'I think I have those tendencies.' At just 25 years of age, the French-born Australian has spent time in jail for manipulating his then-partner into lending him $130,000 with a false bank document and an empty promise of repayment. Dubbed the ' Playboy Swindler ', he used dating apps as his hunting ground. In a rare confession, he gave this masthead exclusive insight into his dark mind and explained how he lived a life of lies and deceit. After admitting to collectively scamming at least a dozen victims out of hundreds of thousands of dollars, he claimed he is trying to change and wants to warn others not to be deceived by someone like him. But those he's hurt think of the private jets, top-shelf champagne and $600 dinners he enjoyed with stolen money and false identities, fearing he may never truly want to change. In the hope of helping to prevent others from falling victim to scammers who target their own loved ones, a leading criminologist has dissected his chilling behaviour, questioning if he's even capable of becoming a better person. Prince Charming's mask fooled many. Not this expert. Prince-Popovich sat down in the interview chair, cleared his throat and, when asked who he was, replied: 'A convicted fraudster.' 'I think I've hurt a lot of people in my time, and it's not something I'm proud of … and I need to own up to it,' he said. 'It's hard for me to stop something I've been doing my whole life, and I find myself doing it without even knowing.' Ever since he could remember, Prince-Popovich had held a 'very narcissistic trait'. 'At the time, I don't think I did feel anything,' he said. 'I could build relationships with people, and then discard it and discard them, and still be able to sleep at night. And I don't think I could any more.' His manipulation began during childhood. Born in France, his mother died in a car crash when he was a toddler. His aunt adopted him and the family moved to Australia. He described being placed in foster care in both countries. His adoptive mother, however, said he was sent to France to live with relatives to address troubling behaviour. Seeking approval, he would lie about his family's wealth to be liked. While he claims fear of abandonment has driven most of his crimes, an associate professor of criminology at Central Queensland University, Xanthe Mallett, had her doubts. Analysing a two-hour interview with Prince-Popovich, conducted by this Herald journalist, she said his childhood trauma 'could certainly be impactful' but that he displayed 'innate behavioural traits' of 'a lack of guilt, sympathy and remorse'. 'People with trauma can have problems in later life, but that doesn't excuse his behaviours,' she said. 'This is a man who hasn't just told small lies ... he's done really extravagant things – and he knows right from wrong.' Though her assessment was not a formal one, Mallett described seeing traits of a non-violent sociopath or psychopath. Both terms, she said, refer to people with anti-social personality disorders who do not generally feel empathy, remorse, love or guilt. The difference is that sociopaths are generally more reactive, impulsive and unpredictable, whereas psychopaths are more premeditated, manipulative and superficially charming. Prince-Popovich said he had been diagnosed with depression but no personality disorder. Watching him speak, Mallett said his soft voice and 'contrived' expressions suggested he was 'performing' again. 'From what I know of him, he's charismatic and fun – that's how he conned people. That's not the man we're seeing here,' she said. 'I think he's very good at playing a part. I haven't believed a word that he's said.' Scamming became 'second nature' In a frank admission, Prince-Popovich described his life as a 'pyramid scheme'. 'I was lying to multiple different people to make up for lies that I've told someone else,' he said. 'Everywhere that I moved to, I did the same thing. Same stories, but different.' It 'became second nature' – apparently not done for the thrill. Each new lover or friend would hear the recycled claim of having a multimillion-dollar French trust fund, backed by fake bank balances shown on his phone and fed with stolen money that funded luxurious holidays on jets and helicopters. Among the cruellest of his scams was convincing then-partner Ben Madden to send him $130,000 for a legal battle with an ex-boyfriend. He faked a $500,000 bank balance to prove he could repay Madden from the 'trust fund'. Madden eventually realised the repayments were not coming. Prince-Popovich was later jailed for a maximum of 12 months. Reflecting, he said he 'felt terrible', but he also added that Madden 'helped [him] spend the money'. Asked if he loved Madden, he said he did not. Pressed on whether this was his biggest scam, he replied: 'I wouldn't consider that a scam. Yes, I deceived him and lied to him.' Mallett said this phrasing spoke volumes. 'He's played the victim,' she said. 'He has tried to blame some of [his victims] … make them seem complicit in some of this. And he's denying the seriousness or even that some of these are scams when they clearly are.' Another former lover, whom Prince-Popovich said was right to call him a narcissistic sociopath, recalled the 'shattering' moment he discovered Prince-Popovich had applied for a $20,000 loan application in his name when a notification appeared in the corner of his laptop screen while they lived together. It wasn't the only application made without his knowledge. Prince-Popovich said he remembered that moment and 'it was hard' to reflect on. 'I think there's been a lot of opportunities in my life that could have changed my life for the better, but I've somehow stuffed it up.' Fortunately, the loans were cancelled before any serious damage was caused. He admitted not knowing how much more he might have tried to take if he was not caught. Mallett was unconvinced of his remorse. 'Somehow he managed to 'stuff up' by putting in false loan applications,' she said. 'That's not an error, it's not a slip. It's an intentional act to defraud someone he is saying he cares deeply for. So he's making out like … he doesn't really know how it happened, but actually, he knows exactly how it happened.' Prince-Popovich compared himself to the Netflix show Inventing Anna. The series is inspired by the true story of Anna Sorokin, who impersonated a German heiress and conned New York's social elite out of millions. 'I had some similarities … the jets, the lying to people, extravagant vacations, trust funds.' For years, he even claimed he was a pilot, dressing the part with a Qantas lanyard and epaulettes he bought online. Many of his lies were always going to unravel. That's why his relationships always 'had an end date' – eventually they would crumble, and he would disappear, moving on to the next target. He would not meet people intending to steal from them, he said, but the relationship became manipulative. He admitted he had hidden his true self with 'the majority, if not all' people who had loved him. What would he call his biggest scam? Faking transactions to appear to pay for a $30,000 private jet trip with a group of new friends. 'It was thought out and planned … [but] it wasn't well thought-out, either,' Prince-Popovich said. 'In a way, I was bound to get caught for it. And I think I was just living in the moment.' Post-jail, his dishonesty continued. In early 2023, he offered $860,000 for a house in Launceston, Tasmania. He sent a receipt as proof of sending the $50,000 deposit to the real estate agent, but cancelled the transfer minutes later. For several weeks, Prince-Popovich gave endless excuses for why the deposit had not landed in the agent's account. Just days before settlement, he became uncontactable, costing the owner tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees and lost rental earnings. 'I definitely deceived the real estate agent by cancelling that transfer [and] by agreeing to enter into a contract to begin with,' he said. Why did he do it? 'Not sure,' he said. Then, in September 2023, he was extradited to Sydney over more fraud charges, including a $5000 unpaid boat party in Sydney Harbour. Two peculiar twists followed: former Queensland premier Rob Borbidge paid $8000 in legal fees to help him, and Prince-Popovich claimed to prison staff that he had leukaemia. Borbidge said he was trying to mentor a troubled young man and was not aware of the full extent of Prince-Popovich's criminal history. Asked about when he was diagnosed with cancer, Prince-Popovich said: 'Mid-2023, no, the end of 2024, I think. It was before prison.' In April last year, a Queensland magistrate said he had told the court he could not travel to that state to face other outstanding fraud charges because he was receiving treatment for leukaemia. However, he told this masthead he had never received chemotherapy and his leukaemia is at 'stage one … a 'watch and act' type thing'. When asked for proof of his leukaemia diagnosis, he merely sent referrals for tests and scans. Prince-Popovich was adamant he had not lied about cancer to avoid court, saying there were other reasons he could not appear and would 'not be gaining anything' from claiming that. 'Oh my God, I'm not Belle Gibson.' However, he admitted lying about cancer before, crying in former colleagues' arms about his adoptive mother's 'terminal cancer' and pretending she died just to get time off work. She was alive and well. A 'mea culpa' and The Boy Who Cried Wolf The scammer's second stint in custody, about a month spent on remand in late-2023, was, he said, the wake-up call he needed. 'I know I do wrong things, but until I am arrested and extradited and put in jail, it really doesn't sink in,' he said. Prince-Popovich said reading this masthead's earlier article exposing his crimes deepened this epiphany. 'I do have a lot of sleepless nights these days, and I've never felt like that before,' he said. 'I've never felt guilty about hurting anyone before. But I need to change, and my actions need to stop.' Until recently, there was a warrant out for Prince-Popovich's arrest in Queensland over fraud charges dating to 2021. Weeks ago, he was arrested in Cairns, and those charges are proceeding through the courts. Asked why anyone should believe he is trying to change, he said he has 'everything to lose and nothing to gain' by speaking out and 'admitting to things I've been doing my whole life'. 'I think I needed to do this to be able to move on and be able to be better.' But Mallett believed he did have things to gain: sympathy and a chance to counter negative publicity. There may be some truth in his desire to turn over a new leaf, she said, but it should be taken with 'a heavy dose of scepticism' as 'leopards fundamentally don't change their spots'. Despite insisting he wants to change, Prince-Popovich admitted uncertainty about whether his 'narcissistic tendencies' could ever be 'cured'. 'I think when it's as severe as what I've been demonstrating ... I don't know. I'm hoping it is, but it's really hard,' he said. And does he trust himself? 'Absolutely not … I think I'm more afraid of myself than anything else.' That self-fear was a far cry from the charming and confident mask he wore for his victims, one that made his true colours dangerously difficult to detect. Even the most intelligent people could be deceived by those with 'extreme personalities', Mallett said, but there were usually red flags. Often, many stories won't add up. Even Prince-Popovich conceded pathological liars struggle to keep up with their web of lies. Mallett said instead of genuinely feeling certain emotions, some people may mirror what they see in others. 'If you get that sense that their expressions are not matching their words … then listen to your instincts,' she said. Loading While cautioning people against being wary of everyone they meet, Mallett urged them to 'do some digging' if they felt 'something isn't quite right'. For so long, Prince-Popovich's way with words helped him excel as a master manipulator. 'Actions speak louder,' he said, vowing his would eventually prove his intent to be better. Has he at least begun to change? 'I wouldn't say I'm living an honest life because there's still stuff out there. I need to fix everything else first, and maybe in a few years I can respond 'yes' to that.' But, like the boy who cried wolf, he may face an enduring challenge. Liars are rarely believed, even when they speak the truth.
Sydney Morning Herald
19-05-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
A con artist made these chilling confessions. Then a criminologist dissected every word
David Prince-Popovich was asked if his ex-boyfriend, who once described him as the love of his life, was right to call him a narcissistic sociopath. 'Yeah,' the convicted con artist replied. 'I think I have those tendencies.' At just 25 years of age, the French-born Australian has spent time in jail for manipulating his then-partner into lending him $130,000 with a false bank document and an empty promise of repayment. Dubbed the ' Playboy Swindler ', he used dating apps as his hunting ground. In a rare confession, he gave this masthead exclusive insight into his dark mind and explained how he lived a life of lies and deceit. After admitting to collectively scamming at least a dozen victims out of hundreds of thousands of dollars, he claimed he is trying to change and wants to warn others not to be deceived by someone like him. But those he's hurt think of the private jets, top-shelf champagne and $600 dinners he enjoyed with stolen money and false identities, fearing he may never truly want to change. In the hope of helping to prevent others from falling victim to scammers who target their own loved ones, a leading criminologist has dissected his chilling behaviour, questioning if he's even capable of becoming a better person. Prince Charming's mask fooled many. Not this expert. Prince-Popovich sat down in the interview chair, cleared his throat and, when asked who he was, replied: 'A convicted fraudster.' 'I think I've hurt a lot of people in my time, and it's not something I'm proud of … and I need to own up to it,' he said. 'It's hard for me to stop something I've been doing my whole life, and I find myself doing it without even knowing.' Ever since he could remember, Prince-Popovich had held a 'very narcissistic trait'. 'At the time, I don't think I did feel anything,' he said. 'I could build relationships with people, and then discard it and discard them, and still be able to sleep at night. And I don't think I could any more.' His manipulation began during childhood. Born in France, his mother died in a car crash when he was a toddler. His aunt adopted him and the family moved to Australia. He described being placed in foster care in both countries. His adoptive mother, however, said he was sent to France to live with relatives to address troubling behaviour. Seeking approval, he would lie about his family's wealth to be liked. While he claims fear of abandonment has driven most of his crimes, an associate professor of criminology at Central Queensland University, Xanthe Mallett, had her doubts. Analysing a two-hour interview with Prince-Popovich, conducted by this Herald journalist, she said his childhood trauma 'could certainly be impactful' but that he displayed 'innate behavioural traits' of 'a lack of guilt, sympathy and remorse'. 'People with trauma can have problems in later life, but that doesn't excuse his behaviours,' she said. 'This is a man who hasn't just told small lies ... he's done really extravagant things – and he knows right from wrong.' Though her assessment was not a formal one, Mallett described seeing traits of a non-violent sociopath or psychopath. Both terms, she said, refer to people with anti-social personality disorders who do not generally feel empathy, remorse, love or guilt. The difference is that sociopaths are generally more reactive, impulsive and unpredictable, whereas psychopaths are more premeditated, manipulative and superficially charming. Prince-Popovich said he had been diagnosed with depression but no personality disorder. Watching him speak, Mallett said his soft voice and 'contrived' expressions suggested he was 'performing' again. 'From what I know of him, he's charismatic and fun – that's how he conned people. That's not the man we're seeing here,' she said. 'I think he's very good at playing a part. I haven't believed a word that he's said.' Scamming became 'second nature' In a frank admission, Prince-Popovich described his life as a 'pyramid scheme'. 'I was lying to multiple different people to make up for lies that I've told someone else,' he said. 'Everywhere that I moved to, I did the same thing. Same stories, but different.' It 'became second nature' – apparently not done for the thrill. Each new lover or friend would hear the recycled claim of having a multimillion-dollar French trust fund, backed by fake bank balances shown on his phone and fed with stolen money that funded luxurious holidays on jets and helicopters. Among the cruellest of his scams was convincing then-partner Ben Madden to send him $130,000 for a legal battle with an ex-boyfriend. He faked a $500,000 bank balance to prove he could repay Madden from the 'trust fund'. Madden eventually realised the repayments were not coming. Prince-Popovich was later jailed for a maximum of 12 months. Reflecting, he said he 'felt terrible', but he also added that Madden 'helped [him] spend the money'. Asked if he loved Madden, he said he did not. Pressed on whether this was his biggest scam, he replied: 'I wouldn't consider that a scam. Yes, I deceived him and lied to him.' Mallett said this phrasing spoke volumes. 'He's played the victim,' she said. 'He has tried to blame some of [his victims] … make them seem complicit in some of this. And he's denying the seriousness or even that some of these are scams when they clearly are.' Another former lover, whom Prince-Popovich said was right to call him a narcissistic sociopath, recalled the 'shattering' moment he discovered Prince-Popovich had applied for a $20,000 loan application in his name when a notification appeared in the corner of his laptop screen while they lived together. It wasn't the only application made without his knowledge. Prince-Popovich said he remembered that moment and 'it was hard' to reflect on. 'I think there's been a lot of opportunities in my life that could have changed my life for the better, but I've somehow stuffed it up.' Fortunately, the loans were cancelled before any serious damage was caused. He admitted not knowing how much more he might have tried to take if he was not caught. Mallett was unconvinced of his remorse. 'Somehow he managed to 'stuff up' by putting in false loan applications,' she said. 'That's not an error, it's not a slip. It's an intentional act to defraud someone he is saying he cares deeply for. So he's making out like … he doesn't really know how it happened, but actually, he knows exactly how it happened.' Prince-Popovich compared himself to the Netflix show Inventing Anna. The series is inspired by the true story of Anna Sorokin, who impersonated a German heiress and conned New York's social elite out of millions. 'I had some similarities … the jets, the lying to people, extravagant vacations, trust funds.' For years, he even claimed he was a pilot, dressing the part with a Qantas lanyard and epaulettes he bought online. Many of his lies were always going to unravel. That's why his relationships always 'had an end date' – eventually they would crumble, and he would disappear, moving on to the next target. He would not meet people intending to steal from them, he said, but the relationship became manipulative. He admitted he had hidden his true self with 'the majority, if not all' people who had loved him. What would he call his biggest scam? Faking transactions to appear to pay for a $30,000 private jet trip with a group of new friends. 'It was thought out and planned … [but] it wasn't well thought-out, either,' Prince-Popovich said. 'In a way, I was bound to get caught for it. And I think I was just living in the moment.' Post-jail, his dishonesty continued. In early 2023, he offered $860,000 for a house in Launceston, Tasmania. He sent a receipt as proof of sending the $50,000 deposit to the real estate agent, but cancelled the transfer minutes later. For several weeks, Prince-Popovich gave endless excuses for why the deposit had not landed in the agent's account. Just days before settlement, he became uncontactable, costing the owner tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees and lost rental earnings. 'I definitely deceived the real estate agent by cancelling that transfer [and] by agreeing to enter into a contract to begin with,' he said. Why did he do it? 'Not sure,' he said. Then, in September 2023, he was extradited to Sydney over more fraud charges, including a $5000 unpaid boat party in Sydney Harbour. Two peculiar twists followed: former Queensland premier Rob Borbidge paid $8000 in legal fees to help him, and Prince-Popovich claimed to prison staff that he had leukaemia. Borbidge said he was trying to mentor a troubled young man and was not aware of the full extent of Prince-Popovich's criminal history. Asked about when he was diagnosed with cancer, Prince-Popovich said: 'Mid-2023, no, the end of 2024, I think. It was before prison.' In April last year, a Queensland magistrate said he had told the court he could not travel to that state to face other outstanding fraud charges because he was receiving treatment for leukaemia. However, he told this masthead he had never received chemotherapy and his leukaemia is at 'stage one … a 'watch and act' type thing'. When asked for proof of his leukaemia diagnosis, he merely sent referrals for tests and scans. Prince-Popovich was adamant he had not lied about cancer to avoid court, saying there were other reasons he could not appear and would 'not be gaining anything' from claiming that. 'Oh my God, I'm not Belle Gibson.' However, he admitted lying about cancer before, crying in former colleagues' arms about his adoptive mother's 'terminal cancer' and pretending she died just to get time off work. She was alive and well. A 'mea culpa' and The Boy Who Cried Wolf The scammer's second stint in custody, about a month spent on remand in late-2023, was, he said, the wake-up call he needed. 'I know I do wrong things, but until I am arrested and extradited and put in jail, it really doesn't sink in,' he said. Prince-Popovich said reading this masthead's earlier article exposing his crimes deepened this epiphany. 'I do have a lot of sleepless nights these days, and I've never felt like that before,' he said. 'I've never felt guilty about hurting anyone before. But I need to change, and my actions need to stop.' Until recently, there was a warrant out for Prince-Popovich's arrest in Queensland over fraud charges dating to 2021. Weeks ago, he was arrested in Cairns, and those charges are proceeding through the courts. Asked why anyone should believe he is trying to change, he said he has 'everything to lose and nothing to gain' by speaking out and 'admitting to things I've been doing my whole life'. 'I think I needed to do this to be able to move on and be able to be better.' But Mallett believed he did have things to gain: sympathy and a chance to counter negative publicity. There may be some truth in his desire to turn over a new leaf, she said, but it should be taken with 'a heavy dose of scepticism' as 'leopards fundamentally don't change their spots'. Despite insisting he wants to change, Prince-Popovich admitted uncertainty about whether his 'narcissistic tendencies' could ever be 'cured'. 'I think when it's as severe as what I've been demonstrating ... I don't know. I'm hoping it is, but it's really hard,' he said. And does he trust himself? 'Absolutely not … I think I'm more afraid of myself than anything else.' That self-fear was a far cry from the charming and confident mask he wore for his victims, one that made his true colours dangerously difficult to detect. Even the most intelligent people could be deceived by those with 'extreme personalities', Mallett said, but there were usually red flags. Often, many stories won't add up. Even Prince-Popovich conceded pathological liars struggle to keep up with their web of lies. Mallett said instead of genuinely feeling certain emotions, some people may mirror what they see in others. 'If you get that sense that their expressions are not matching their words … then listen to your instincts,' she said. Loading While cautioning people against being wary of everyone they meet, Mallett urged them to 'do some digging' if they felt 'something isn't quite right'. For so long, Prince-Popovich's way with words helped him excel as a master manipulator. 'Actions speak louder,' he said, vowing his would eventually prove his intent to be better. Has he at least begun to change? 'I wouldn't say I'm living an honest life because there's still stuff out there. I need to fix everything else first, and maybe in a few years I can respond 'yes' to that.' But, like the boy who cried wolf, he may face an enduring challenge. Liars are rarely believed, even when they speak the truth.
SBS Australia
13-05-2025
- SBS Australia
How to avoid romance scams in Australia
Romance scams cost Australians over $23 million last year, with scammers using increasingly sophisticated tactics to deceive victims. While older adults, widowers, divorcees, migrants and Indigenous people are often targeted, anyone looking for love online can fall victim. Scammers build trust quickly, using emotional manipulation to ask for money or personal details. Knowing the red flags (inability to meet in person, secrecy, and requests for money) can help protect you and your loved ones. You may think that you'd never fall for a romance scam, but as scammers become more sophisticated, anyone looking for love can be deceived. While they tend to target vulnerable people like older adults, widowers and divorcees, migrants, Indigenous people, and disabled individuals, no one is immune. 'They usually focus on people who are emotionally isolated, financially stable or inexperienced with online dating. But having said that, anyone can be a victim, including younger people, because scammers will usually tailor their approach based on the victim's background and online activities,' explains , associate professor and socio-tech expert from Central Queensland University. Knowing the red flags (inability to meet in person, secrecy, and requests for money) can help protect you and your loved ones. Source: iStockphoto / SPmemory/Getty Images/iStockphoto How do romance scams operate? A romance scam involves fraudsters creating fake online identities to deceive victims into fake relationships. Their goal is to exploit their victims' trust to steal money or personal information. Kylee Dennis is a former police officer and owner of , a service specialising in unmasking romance scammers. She explains how scammers target their victims. 'You go online, you find what you would classify as being your perfect mate, and that relationship develops very quickly. They ask you to come off the dating apps, you go onto a messaging platform, and intimate conversations start. The scammers find your core values, what you like and dislike. That relationship starts very quickly, and then as it continues, they start asking for financial assistance due to an emergency.' While some of these relationships escalate quickly, many scammers play a long game. 'Often the scammer will invest quite a lot of time in establishing what seems like a real emotional connection before they then turn to executing the scam so it can feel very real,' Catriona Lowe says, who's the deputy chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), which runs the National Anti-Scam Centre . Love bombing: is when the scammer professes love early on and floods you with messages and calls. Source: iStockphoto /Romance scams: The red flags If you're online dating, be cautious of . -Love bombing: the scammer professes love early on and floods you with messages and calls. -Moving off platforms quickly: they insist on shifting conversations from dating apps and social media to encrypted messaging platforms like WhatsApp, which makes them harder to track. Secrecy: They discourage you from discussing the relationship with loved ones, claiming they wouldn't understand. Avoiding in-person meetings: They frequently make excuses for not meeting face-to-face, often citing overseas work or family emergencies. Requests for money: They ask for financial help due to urgent medical bills, travel expenses, or investment opportunities (often involving cryptocurrency). How to protect yourself from scams Never share personal information, passwords, or financial details with someone you meet online. Avoid sending intimate photos or videos, as scammers may use them for blackmail. Never transfer money to someone you've only met online or participate in they suggest. Be aware that scammers now use AI-generated images and videos, making video calls insufficient for verification. Dr Ritesh Chugh, associate professor and socio-tech expert from Central Queensland University. What to do if you're a victim of a romance scam If you suspect you've been scammed: Contact your bank immediately to stop further transactions and secure your accounts. Change your online passwords to prevent further breaches. Contact for support. Report the scam to (National Anti-Scam Centre). 'We know that scammers are highly skilled manipulators who prey on trust and emotions. Feeling shame or embarrassment is natural, but reporting the scam can help prevent others from falling into the same trap. There's no doubt that victims deserve support. Talk to someone you trust, reach out to family and friends or professional counselling services. And please, report. By reporting the scam, you take back control and contribute to the fight against these crimes,' Dr Ritesh Chugh says. If you've been the victim of a romance scam, please know that you're not alone. It happens to millions of people in Australia and globally. And it is not your fault. Stop engaging with them, block them and report them. Dr Ritesh Chugh Romance scams cost Australians over $23 million last year, with scammers using increasingly sophisticated tactics to deceive victims. Source: Moment RF /How to help a romance scam victim If you suspect a loved one is being scammed , be patient, kind, and sensitive, but firm. Keep in mind that they're the victim of a crime and need your help. 'Encourage them to cut all contact with the scammer, and assist in reporting the incident. Help them secure their finances and online accounts while also offering emotional support. Patience is key here because victims will struggle with denial or grief,' Dr Ritesh Chugh says. If you can't get through, enlist the help of other friends or family members. Kylee Dennis founded Two Face Investigations after helping her mum escape a romance scam. By conducting a reverse image search on the scammer's photos, she uncovered that they actually belonged to someone else. 'My mum did it for six months and I'd talk to her a couple of times a week, and at no time did she ever tell me she was dating online because the scammers had manipulated her to tell her I wouldn't understand,' she says. 'It's ok to be online dating! Go online, find your perfect match…just don't give them any money.' To learn more or report a scam, visit . Subscribe to or follow the Australia Explained podcast for more valuable information and tips about settling into your new life in Australia. Do you have any questions or topic ideas? Send us an email to australiaexplained@
The Sun
04-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The family-favourite foods killing thousands of us every year revealed – as top GP shares ‘life-saving' swaps
WHOLEGRAIN bread, low fat yoghurts and baked crisps - all healthy, right? Not necessarily, experts warn, because they can all be classified as ultra-processed foods (UPFs). So, how can you tell if the foods in your cupboards are posing a danger to your family? These mass-produced products now make up 54 per cent of our diets, but they could have detrimental effects on our health. A study by Central Queensland University - based on information from 10million people worldwide - linked UPFs to an increased risk of 32 health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Separate research published in the American Journal Of Preventive Medicine this week warned they contribute to 18,000 early deaths in England every year. Almost all food is processed to some extent, but UPFs usually contain five or more ingredients you wouldn't find in your kitchen, such as artificial sweeteners, colourings, preservatives and emulsifiers. They also tend to be high in fat, sugar and salt, and low in fibre. Dr Camilla Stokholm, GP and author of What Your Doctor Eats, shares the worst culprits - and how to reduce your intake… "UPFs are 'food-like substances' and we have been unsuspecting guinea pigs in their use. "These products are nutritionally depleted compared to whole foods, and they appear to rewire our brain's pleasure centres, driving addictive behaviour. "They seem to cleverly circumvent our satiety mechanisms, meaning they don't stimulate fullness but make us more hungry. "I feel disgusted by UPFs, and the more time you spend thinking about them, you will too. "The most problematic ones I suggest you avoid are..." Can drinking nothing but fizzy water for two weeks really help me shed my excess weight ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS THESE get sneaked into most sweet UPFs. Not only do they directly harm your gut microbiome, they make you gain weight. Studies comparing sugary drinks with diet versions show no difference when it comes to preventing obesity. Why? Because they still stimulate your insulin and make you feel hungry, especially for high-sugar foods. KIDS' MENUS WHAT you feed your children directly moulds their future health. Unfortunately, we have a culture of feeding them 'kid's menu' food - think chicken nuggets and pizzas. Up to 70 per cent of the calories British children consume now come from UPFs; this is a missed opportunity to protect them from disease later in life. CRISPS BRITS eat more crisps than anyone else in the world, and this is a real problem. They do nothing to stimulate our fullness mechanism and ironically trigger a hunger hormone spike. Crisps should be a party food we enjoy as a treat. SAUSAGES WE know ultra-processed meats like ham and sausages increase our risk of bowel cancer. Research has also shown links to dementia, diabetes and heart disease, so I'm not sure why anyone still eats them! BREAD MOST supermarket breads are UPFs and a missed opportunity for what can be a nutrient dense food. I bake bread myself or go to a trusted baker, who will use minimal ingredients. 'FAKE' FERMENTS 12 FERMENTED foods and drinks can be incredibly good for our gut health, but legally, products don't always need to have any real strains of bacteria in them! Always read the label. If there's a long list of preservatives, vinegar or artificial sweeteners, it's not a true ferment. MEAL REPLACEMENTS 12 IF you're drinking your meal, you automatically bypass very important satiety mechanisms. You also strip away so much pleasure from food. Life's too short - sit down and chew it please! PROTEIN PRODUCTS I WENT through a phase of eating protein pancakes, bars and chocolate. I could have enjoyed much more nutrient-dense sources like eggs and beans for a fraction of the cost - and avoided nasty additives. 'HEALTHY' DESSERTS 12 IF I'm going to have a dessert, it's a traditional, homemade one with all the bells and whistles. It's a rare treat I genuinely look forward to rather than a half-arsed 'high protein' or 'low sugar' replacement packed with emulsifiers and stabilisers. NOT ALL OR NOTHING YOU don't need to cut UPFs out completely though. I believe life is for living and in today's world, it would be incredibly difficult to avoid all UPFs. I estimate only 10 per cent of what I eat comes from UPFs – they are often you-only-live-once indulgences which I don't overthink! Even some of the 85 per cent dark chocolate I eat is technically an UPF but I don't think this negates its beneficial polyphenols, which can prevent cell damage and help you live longer. I also still eat childhood-favourite biscuits and ice-creams as rare treats. As a doctor I'm painfully aware that life is too short – 'good enough' is my goal. My number one piece of advice can be summarised in four words: cook your own food. The mantra for many Brits seems to be that food must be, above all else, convenient. Marketing pushes the idea that we lead busy lives and shouldn't feel pressured to 'slave away in the kitchen'. But we all make time for the things that are important to us (look at your screen time!). Changing your attitude is the most powerful tool to reduce your UPF consumption. SIMPLE SWAPS GETTING less than 20 per cent of your energy from UPFs will produce astronomical results for your health. These are some of my favourite simple swaps... Crackers – try Ryvita Crispbreads instead Supermarket bread – seeded rye often isn't UPF; otherwise, go to a trusted bakery or bake it yourself Granola – not my idea of a glucose-steady breakfast; instead, use toasted nuts, shaved coconut, seeds, cacao nibs Sweet yoghurt – buy plain yoghurt and mix with frozen berries Salad dressing - make this yourself by blitzing a jar of roasted peppers, a handful of fresh basil, a handful almonds, 1tsp paprika, 2tbsp extra virgin olive oil Cereal bars – I'm not a fan and would treat sweet foods like this as a dessert; if you really love them, cook them yourself and eat them at the end of a savoury meal Protein products – get protein from whole foods like Greek yoghurt, cottage cheese, eggs, pulses and tofu, which are cheaper and better for you
Scottish Sun
04-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The family-favourite foods killing thousands of us every year revealed – as top GP shares ‘life-saving' swaps
Dr Camilla Stokholm warns we have all been "unsuspecting guinea pigs" in the use of ultra-processed foods, which are linked to a long list of health conditions - including heart disease and cancer. She shares her simple 'rule' to spot a UPF just by looking at the label DANGER DIET The family-favourite foods killing thousands of us every year revealed – as top GP shares 'life-saving' swaps Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WHOLEGRAIN bread, low fat yoghurts and baked crisps - all healthy, right? Not necessarily, experts warn, because they can all be classified as ultra-processed foods (UPFs). So, how can you tell if the foods in your cupboards are posing a danger to your family? 12 Almost all food is processed to some extent, but UPFs usually contain five or more ingredients you wouldn't find in your kitchen Credit: Getty 12 Dr Camilla Stokholm, GP and author of What Your Doctor Eats, shares the worst culprits - and how to reduce your intake Credit: Supplied These mass-produced products now make up 54 per cent of our diets, but they could have detrimental effects on our health. A study by Central Queensland University - based on information from 10million people worldwide - linked UPFs to an increased risk of 32 health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Separate research published in the American Journal Of Preventive Medicine this week warned they contribute to 18,000 early deaths in England every year. Almost all food is processed to some extent, but UPFs usually contain five or more ingredients you wouldn't find in your kitchen, such as artificial sweeteners, colourings, preservatives and emulsifiers. They also tend to be high in fat, sugar and salt, and low in fibre. Dr Camilla Stokholm, GP and author of What Your Doctor Eats, shares the worst culprits - and how to reduce your intake… "UPFs are 'food-like substances' and we have been unsuspecting guinea pigs in their use. "These products are nutritionally depleted compared to whole foods, and they appear to rewire our brain's pleasure centres, driving addictive behaviour. "They seem to cleverly circumvent our satiety mechanisms, meaning they don't stimulate fullness but make us more hungry. "I feel disgusted by UPFs, and the more time you spend thinking about them, you will too. "The most problematic ones I suggest you avoid are..." Can drinking nothing but fizzy water for two weeks really help me shed my excess weight ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS 12 Diet drinks with artificial sweeteners show no difference when it comes to halting obesity, research has found Credit: Getty THESE get sneaked into most sweet UPFs. Not only do they directly harm your gut microbiome, they make you gain weight. Studies comparing sugary drinks with diet versions show no difference when it comes to preventing obesity. Why? Because they still stimulate your insulin and make you feel hungry, especially for high-sugar foods. KIDS' MENUS 12 Kids' menus at restaurants is often just chicken nuggets and pizzas Credit: Getty WHAT you feed your children directly moulds their future health. Unfortunately, we have a culture of feeding them 'kid's menu' food - think chicken nuggets and pizzas. Up to 70 per cent of the calories British children consume now come from UPFs; this is a missed opportunity to protect them from disease later in life. CRISPS 12 Crisps do not make us feel full and trigger a hunger hormone spike Credit: Getty BRITS eat more crisps than anyone else in the world, and this is a real problem. They do nothing to stimulate our fullness mechanism and ironically trigger a hunger hormone spike. Crisps should be a party food we enjoy as a treat. SAUSAGES 12 Eating ultra-processed meats such as sausages has been linked to dementia and heart disease Credit: Getty WE know ultra-processed meats like ham and sausages increase our risk of bowel cancer. Research has also shown links to dementia, diabetes and heart disease, so I'm not sure why anyone still eats them! BREAD 12 Supermarket breads are often ultra-processed - go to a trusted breaker instead! Credit: Getty MOST supermarket breads are UPFs and a missed opportunity for what can be a nutrient dense food. I bake bread myself or go to a trusted baker, who will use minimal ingredients. What food do you need for a healthy diet? IF you want to have good health, a good way to start is from your diet. The Eatwell Guide shows that to have a healthy, balanced diet, people should try to: eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day base meals on higher fibre starchy foods like potatoes, bread, rice or pasta have some dairy or dairy alternatives (such as soya drinks) eat some beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other protein choose unsaturated oils and spreads, and eat them in small amounts drink plenty of fluids (at least 6 to 8 glasses a day) Source: NHS 'FAKE' FERMENTS 12 Not all food and drinks advertised as fermented actually contain bacteria Credit: Getty FERMENTED foods and drinks can be incredibly good for our gut health, but legally, products don't always need to have any real strains of bacteria in them! Always read the label. If there's a long list of preservatives, vinegar or artificial sweeteners, it's not a true ferment. MEAL REPLACEMENTS 12 Stop drinking your meals - life's too short Credit: Getty IF you're drinking your meal, you automatically bypass very important satiety mechanisms. You also strip away so much pleasure from food. Life's too short - sit down and chew it please! PROTEIN PRODUCTS 12 Protein bars can have nasty additives - opt for eggs and beans instead which are a fraction of the cost Credit: Getty I WENT through a phase of eating protein pancakes, bars and chocolate. I could have enjoyed much more nutrient-dense sources like eggs and beans for a fraction of the cost - and avoided nasty additives. 'HEALTHY' DESSERTS 12 'Healthy' desserts are often packed with emulsifiers and stabilisers Credit: Getty IF I'm going to have a dessert, it's a traditional, homemade one with all the bells and whistles. It's a rare treat I genuinely look forward to rather than a half-arsed 'high protein' or 'low sugar' replacement packed with emulsifiers and stabilisers. NOT ALL OR NOTHING YOU don't need to cut UPFs out completely though. I believe life is for living and in today's world, it would be incredibly difficult to avoid all UPFs. I estimate only 10 per cent of what I eat comes from UPFs – they are often you-only-live-once indulgences which I don't overthink! Even some of the 85 per cent dark chocolate I eat is technically an UPF but I don't think this negates its beneficial polyphenols, which can prevent cell damage and help you live longer. I also still eat childhood-favourite biscuits and ice-creams as rare treats. As a doctor I'm painfully aware that life is too short – 'good enough' is my goal. My number one piece of advice can be summarised in four words: cook your own food. The mantra for many Brits seems to be that food must be, above all else, convenient. Marketing pushes the idea that we lead busy lives and shouldn't feel pressured to 'slave away in the kitchen'. But we all make time for the things that are important to us (look at your screen time!). Changing your attitude is the most powerful tool to reduce your UPF consumption. SIMPLE SWAPS GETTING less than 20 per cent of your energy from UPFs will produce astronomical results for your health. These are some of my favourite simple swaps... Crackers – try Ryvita Crispbreads instead Supermarket bread – seeded rye often isn't UPF; otherwise, go to a trusted bakery or bake it yourself Granola – not my idea of a glucose-steady breakfast; instead, use toasted nuts, shaved coconut, seeds, cacao nibs Sweet yoghurt – buy plain yoghurt and mix with frozen berries Salad dressing - make this yourself by blitzing a jar of roasted peppers, a handful of fresh basil, a handful almonds, 1tsp paprika, 2tbsp extra virgin olive oil Cereal bars – I'm not a fan and would treat sweet foods like this as a dessert; if you really love them, cook them yourself and eat them at the end of a savoury meal Protein products – get protein from whole foods like Greek yoghurt, cottage cheese, eggs, pulses and tofu, which are cheaper and better for you
