Love Scam Artist Jailed for Ripping Off Women Across the UK
Sebastian Timmis, 29, from Marksbury, has been locked up for over three years after conning 10 women out of more than £48,000 using dating apps and websites.
Heartless Romance Fraud
Timmis pleaded guilty to 10 counts of fraud by false representation for offences committed between January 2018 and September 2020. He built fake trust with his victims online before spinning urgent lies to get cash.
From car repairs to utility bills and food, Timmis pressured women into sending money, promising to pay it back — but it never came. Instead, he blew their cash on gambling.
Victims from Bristol to Birmingham
The women targeted came from across the country, including Bristol, Cheddar, Devizes, Bournemouth, Malvern, Cardiff, Birmingham, and Cheltenham. All were left out of pocket and heartbroken.
“Timmis scammed these women out of thousands of pounds and made promises he knew he could not keep about returning their money,” said PC Rory Everitt. “He clearly had no regard for his victims’ feelings and targeted people he knew were caring. He preyed on their generosity.”
Police Warn: Don’t Fall for Urgent Cash Requests
Last year, Avon and Somerset Police teamed up with Action Fraud to raise awareness about romance scams after nearly 200 reports worth £2.4 million flooded in from the region in just one year.
PC Everitt warns: “These scammers use emotional stories to rush victims into handing over money. If someone truly cares, they won’t mind you checking with family or friends first. Never give cash or personal details under pressure.”
He urges anyone suspicious to report scams immediately to police or Action Fraud — helping protect others from falling prey to cold-hearted fraudsters like Timmis.
