Swindon Man Dupes Three Women Out of £200k in Dating Scam
Sajad Hussain, 45, from Swindon, admitted to scamming three women out of more than £200,000 over seven years. The con artist pleaded guilty on Monday (17 April) at Swindon Crown Court, admitting to five counts of fraud between 2013 and 2020.
Multiple Fake Identities & Overlapping Lies
Hussain met the women on online dating sites, using false names. The relationships overlapped, with each woman unaware of the others. He fooled them into believing they were in genuine relationships and convinced them to hand over large sums of cash. His excuses ranged from needing money for rent and car damages to visiting his supposedly ill father.
He even demanded family heirlooms alongside cash, draining a staggering total of £204,322 plus sentimental jewellery.
Gambling Addiction Fueled the Fraud
Police launched an investigation after one victim reported Hussain. He was arrested at his home in October 2020. Investigators discovered Hussain had blown £135,000 on online gambling from 2013 to 2020.
Charging him under the Fraud Act 2006, prosecutors revealed how Hussain manipulated the women with increasingly desperate lies to fund his addiction.
Victims Speak Out About Emotional and Financial Toll
“Since meeting this man, my life hasn’t been the same,” said one victim. “I trusted him and only handed over money and jewellery, thinking I’d get them back. But that never happened. The worst was when he kept asking for cash and made me feel guilty for saying no. I just wanted to be with someone.”
Another victim, calling Hussain ‘Sanj’, added: “My relationships with family and friends have broken down because of him. I now struggle to trust anyone and have lost all confidence. He isolated me, and I get panic attacks that affect my work. Writing this has been hard, but I want the court to understand so he can’t hurt others.”
Police Praise Victims’ Bravery as Court Action Continues
Investigating officer DC Rachael Fairbairn said: “Hussain preyed on these women’s generosity to fund his gambling. He concocted elaborate lies about needing money for his father’s injury or threats to his safety. Thankfully, the victims showed incredible courage reporting him.”
“The women only found out about each other late in the probe, but their stories matched closely.”
The Crown Prosecution Service will now pursue Hussain’s assets under the Proceeds of Crime Act to recover the stolen money.
Sentencing is scheduled for 8 June.
