Tinder and Bumble: Man jailed for three years for defrauding three men

A man in England who met three men on Tinder and Bumble and took about £28,500 from them was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to fraud.

This concerns misuse by other users, not the service's own security, and does not count in the score.

What happened

A man in England met three men on the dating apps Tinder and Bumble and defrauded them of about £28,500 in total. According to police, he deliberately targeted men looking for companionship and a genuine emotional connection. He pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud and was sentenced to three years in prison at Canterbury Crown Court. One victim was left in significant debt, and police describe long-term financial consequences for the victims.

What is documented

• Crown Prosecution Service: guilty plea to three counts of fraud, three-year sentence, victims met on Tinder and Bumble.
• City of London Police: sentence, platforms, total amount and financial impact on the victims.

What has not been established

• The exact sentencing date: police give 17 February 2026; the CPS page is dated 17 March 2026.
• The exact amount: £28,488 (police) vs. "nearly £30,000" (CPS).
• Whether the sentence has been appealed.

What this means for you

1. Never send money to someone you have only met through a dating app, whatever the reason.
2. Be wary when a new contact quickly builds closeness and then asks for help with money.
3. Report the profile in the app and contact your bank and the police right away.