Serial Romance Scammer David Coombs Jailed for Four Years
David Coombs, 52, with no fixed address, has been locked up for four years at Southampton Crown Court. The career conman pleaded guilty to nine fraud offences after duping vulnerable people he met on dating sites and in hospitals across the south.
Love and Lies: The Fraud Scheme
Coombs built fake relationships online and sometimes in hospitals, tricking his victims into lending him money. He claimed his wallet was stolen or his bank cards blocked, begging for cash to cover dinners, hotel stays, and daily expenses.
The smooth-talking fraudster spun tall tales about owning multiple properties and working for an interior design company. He even claimed to have offshore bank accounts, convincing victims he was flush with cash and would pay them back.
Spotlight on a Ruthless Trickster
His scam unraveled when a woman, one of his targets, cut contact and started getting harassing calls, texts, and emails from Coombs. Fearing for her safety, she alerted police. Hampshire Constabulary soon uncovered his spree of fraud.
- Coombs preyed on men and women aged 49 to 83 across Hampshire and Dorset between April and November 2015.
- He evaded the police for nearly two years before being caught.
Police Praise Victims and Public Support
“David Coombs wove a web of lies, pretending to be a wealthy businessman with properties, luxury cars, and offshore bank accounts,” said PC Hair of the Western Investigation Team. “His crimes deeply affected victims financially and emotionally.”
“Coombs spent 22 months dodging police, but Hampshire Constabulary never gave up. Thanks to the bravery of victims and witnesses, we brought this prolific offender to justice.”
