Shocking confession! 74-year-old Victorian man scams $180,000 from unsuspecting women on dating apps
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Finding love or companionship can be a challenging task, and for many members of our community, dipping their toes into the world of online dating is a reasonable solution. However, the internet can be a breeding ground for scams and deceitful individuals, as a recent story out of Victoria demonstrates.
Cedric 'Rick' McLeod, a 74-year-old Victorian man, has admitted to scamming an astonishing $180,000 from four women he met on dating apps. McLeod pleaded guilty to four charges—three of obtaining financial advantage by deception and one of obtaining property by deception, according to the Victorian County Court.
Sadly, these unsuspecting women had their trust betrayed when they believed McLeod to be a genuine partner or companion. Between 2017 and 2019, McLeod met three of the victims on a dating app and the fourth in a pub, all of them clueless to the scams that would await them.
McLeod's web of deception included an array of false personas, ranging from an investor or financial adviser working with high-profile individuals to a chartered accountant involved with high-end barristers and lawyers. In each situation, McLeod would convince these women that he could provide them with lucrative investment opportunities.
In one case, he told a woman about an investment opportunity that would yield significant returns on her money. She sent him a total of $32,000, only to receive a measly $2,750 in repayments. McLeod similarly scammed another woman, enticing her with the notion of financially investing, resulting in her transferring $80,000—of which none was invested, and he only repaid $2,000 to her in small increments.
The third victim met McLeod at a Carrum Downs pub where he claimed to be a lawyer setting up a brothel and offered her employment as a receptionist. To further his scheme, he told her that he could obtain a discount on her car loan if she provided him with the funds. The woman then transferred $15,200, which McLeod never used to secure a car loan on her behalf. She only received $5,150 in repayments from him.
The fourth woman, also deceived on the dating app Oasis, was led to believe that McLeod would invest her money for her. As their intimate relationship progressed, he not only talked about the prospect of marriage but also convinced her to trust him with her financial affairs. In the end, she sent a total of $55,000, none of which he repaid despite numerous requests.
These women were devastated to discover that McLeod's promises to invest their money were nothing but a sham. 'I have spent a great many nights crying myself to sleep... and wondering how I was so silly to fall for his deception,' one of the victims lamented.
Upon his admission of guilt, the court learned that McLeod had used the money he collected from the fourth woman to settle his own debts. In a startlingly callous statement, when questioned about his alleged intentions to marry the woman, McLeod answered, 'Nah, that's b*******.'
McLeod's sentencing will occur at a later date.
While stories like McLeod's are disheartening and in no way a representation of every interaction on dating apps, we urge our members to exercise caution when exploring these platforms. It's crucial to remain aware of the potential risks and to approach online relationships with both optimism and a healthy degree of scepticism.
Take these stories as a gentle reminder to put the care and safety of yourself and your hard-earned savings first.
Members, we would love to hear your perspectives on this story. Have any of you encountered a similar experience? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comment section below.
Cedric 'Rick' McLeod, a 74-year-old Victorian man, has admitted to scamming an astonishing $180,000 from four women he met on dating apps. McLeod pleaded guilty to four charges—three of obtaining financial advantage by deception and one of obtaining property by deception, according to the Victorian County Court.
On Tuesday, Rick McLeod entered a guilty plea for four charges. Source: Photo by cottonbro studio
Sadly, these unsuspecting women had their trust betrayed when they believed McLeod to be a genuine partner or companion. Between 2017 and 2019, McLeod met three of the victims on a dating app and the fourth in a pub, all of them clueless to the scams that would await them.
McLeod's web of deception included an array of false personas, ranging from an investor or financial adviser working with high-profile individuals to a chartered accountant involved with high-end barristers and lawyers. In each situation, McLeod would convince these women that he could provide them with lucrative investment opportunities.
In one case, he told a woman about an investment opportunity that would yield significant returns on her money. She sent him a total of $32,000, only to receive a measly $2,750 in repayments. McLeod similarly scammed another woman, enticing her with the notion of financially investing, resulting in her transferring $80,000—of which none was invested, and he only repaid $2,000 to her in small increments.
The third victim met McLeod at a Carrum Downs pub where he claimed to be a lawyer setting up a brothel and offered her employment as a receptionist. To further his scheme, he told her that he could obtain a discount on her car loan if she provided him with the funds. The woman then transferred $15,200, which McLeod never used to secure a car loan on her behalf. She only received $5,150 in repayments from him.
The fourth woman, also deceived on the dating app Oasis, was led to believe that McLeod would invest her money for her. As their intimate relationship progressed, he not only talked about the prospect of marriage but also convinced her to trust him with her financial affairs. In the end, she sent a total of $55,000, none of which he repaid despite numerous requests.
These women were devastated to discover that McLeod's promises to invest their money were nothing but a sham. 'I have spent a great many nights crying myself to sleep... and wondering how I was so silly to fall for his deception,' one of the victims lamented.
Upon his admission of guilt, the court learned that McLeod had used the money he collected from the fourth woman to settle his own debts. In a startlingly callous statement, when questioned about his alleged intentions to marry the woman, McLeod answered, 'Nah, that's b*******.'
McLeod's sentencing will occur at a later date.
Tips for Safe Online Dating for Seniors
Seniors can face heightened risks when they enter the world of online dating. With the right advice, however, there are steps you can take to make sure that your online dating experience is safe and rewarding.Step 1: Be Mindful of Personal Information Sharing
First, always be aware of what personal information you are sharing online. Be wary of anyone who asks too many personal questions, especially those related to financial details. Don’t trust anyone who asks for money or suggests that you transfer money for them. Remember, if something feels suspicious, trust your gut and investigate further.Step 2: Beware of Potential Scammers
It is also important to be aware of potential scammers. If someone’s profile is too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of messaging with someone who seems evasive or just looking to chat rather than share photos or video chat. Do a quick background check of the specific person too, using online search engines or a social media account.Step 3: Arrange Safe and Public Meetings
Finally, always arrange to meet in public when meeting someone from an online dating site. If possible, arrange to have a friend or family member close by, if possible, and be sure to let them know the location and time of your date.
Take these stories as a gentle reminder to put the care and safety of yourself and your hard-earned savings first.
Members, we would love to hear your perspectives on this story. Have any of you encountered a similar experience? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comment section below.
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