How a Tinder Predator Scammed Women for Over a Decade

Christopher Harkins, a man once seen as charming and successful, used dating apps to deceive and exploit women for over ten years.

Despite numerous complaints to authorities, his fraudulent activities went unchecked until 2024, when he was finally sentenced to 12 years in prison.

How Did He Operate?

From 2012 to 2019, at least nine women reported Harkins to Police Scotland after meeting him on platforms like Tinder. While he used multiple dating apps, Tinder was his primary tool for targeting victims.

He earned women’s trust by presenting a carefully crafted image of success, portraying himself as a business owner and fitness enthusiast with a lavish lifestyle. But in reality, he was directing an intricate web of scams.

Harkins’ methods included convincing women to give him money for fake vacations, claiming his bank accounts were temporarily frozen, and promising to invest their savings. In some cases, he even pressured victims to take out loans in their own names, leaving them with substantial debt.

One victim was pushed into bankruptcy, while others spent years repaying the money they had lost. The emotional toll was equally devastating, with many experiencing anxiety and depression as a result of his betrayal.

Why Weren’t Authorities Acting?

Despite numerous complaints, Harkins continued his schemes for years. Women who approached Police Scotland reported financial theft, emotional manipulation, and even threats. However, these cases were often dismissed as “civil matters” rather than criminal offenses.

One woman, Lisa (a pseudonym), transferred over £3,000 to Harkins in 2019 for a vacation he never booked. When she tried to report him, she was met with indifference. “It felt like no one was listening,” Lisa said. “They could have stopped him if they had taken action earlier.”

Police Scotland later explained that their approach to abuse cases has evolved, especially after the introduction of new domestic abuse laws in 2019. But at the time, complaints about Harkins were treated as isolated incidents rather than part of a larger pattern.

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How the Truth Emerged?

Deciding to expose Harkins, Lisa reached out to journalist Catriona Stewart, who published an article in Glasgow’s Evening Times. The piece shed light on his activities and encouraged other women to come forward.

“Within hours of the article being published, I was contacted by multiple women who shared similar experiences,” Stewart said. “It became clear that this wasn’t just about financial fraud—his behavior was predatory and dangerous.”

The increased public attention finally prompted authorities to take action. Police revisited previous complaints, and Harkins was eventually brought to trial in 2024.

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The Impact on Victims

Harkins’ actions left a lasting impact on his victims. Beyond the financial losses, many struggled with feelings of shame and betrayal, making it difficult to seek help. Some women were reluctant to share their stories, fearing judgment from others.

Dr. Jenn Glinski from Scottish Women’s Aid highlighted the importance of recognizing financial abuse early. “These reports give authorities an opportunity to intervene before the situation escalates,” she said.

Justice at Last

Although Harkins is now behind bars, his case serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with online dating. It also underscores the need for stronger support systems for victims of abuse and fraud.

While justice was eventually served, many of Harkins’ victims are still rebuilding their lives. Their courage in coming forward has not only exposed a long-running scheme but also highlighted the importance of taking all reports of abuse seriously—whether financial, emotional, or physical.

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What Can We Learn from This Incident?

While I truly appreciate the endless possibilities of online dating, I always emphasize in my reviews that no matter how popular a dating app or site is, staying vigilant against fraudsters is essential.

Tinder, being a leading name in online dating, isn’t 100% secure. Many people believe scams don’t happen on such platforms, only to end up as victims.

Here’s an important lesson we all can learn: no matter how trustworthy someone may seem, never give money to anyone on a dating app for any reason. Even if you’ve been chatting for a long time, the moment they ask for money, it’s a red flag—end the conversation immediately.

Scammers are experts at manipulation. In some cases we have seen, they exploit personal vulnerabilities by pretending to send medicine for a sick family member after gaining your trust. You send the money, but the promised medicine never arrives.

Remember, regardless of how genuine someone seems or how long you’ve been talking, if they ask for money, block them right away.

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