A woman named Leonnie Robson, 35, residing in Great Yarmouth, has been found guilty of scamming lonely men through social media and dating platforms, extracting over £8,000 from them. Robson targeted vulnerable men on websites like Facebook from March 2024 to May 2025, building fake relationships with them and then concocting various stories to ask for money.
Her fabricated tales included claims of having cancer, fleeing domestic violence, losing a child, or being unemployed. Initially requesting small amounts like £10 or £20, she gradually escalated her demands. The victims, falling for her deceit, ended up sending a total of £8,176 to Robson, none of which was ever returned.
The scam came to light in December 2024 when Norfolk police received a report from a caregiver about one victim sending money to an online acquaintance. Subsequent investigations uncovered eight more victims, revealing that Robson committed these crimes while on parole after serving a fraud-related prison sentence.
Victims shared their emotional turmoil in court, expressing feelings of betrayal and loss. One victim lamented the shattered illusion of love, while another spoke of the deep emotional wounds inflicted by the betrayal. The impact of the fraud led some victims to withdraw from online dating, fearing further exploitation and loneliness.
During the trial, Judge Robinson condemned Robson’s actions, highlighting the deliberate manipulation and harm inflicted on the victims. The judge emphasized the severe consequences faced by the victims, noting the meticulous planning involved in the fraudulent scheme. None of the defrauded money has been recovered, underscoring the devastating financial and emotional toll on the victims.