Couple Jailed for Ruthless Romance Scam Targeting Elderly
Ibrahim Moro, 33, from Bromley, and Rebecca Patrick, 32, from Croydon, have been convicted of a cruel romance scam that fleeced vulnerable elderly victims out of thousands of pounds. The pair used dating websites to trap lonely seniors into fake relationships and empty their savings.
Heartbreaking Lies and Huge Losses
Moro and Patrick spun elaborate stories to exploit their victims. In one case, a woman was convinced to hand over nearly £138,000 after being told her gold shipment was stuck and funds were needed to release it. She was promised a move to Australia to be reunited with her “lover” — but tragically, she died before the scammers were caught.
Another elderly lady was duped into believing she was dating an imaginary man, then pressured into wiring £18,000 over fake insurance troubles. A third victim sent £2,500, thinking she was helping a German widower buy precious metals to avoid taxes.
Money Trails and Harsh Sentences
Prosecutors exposed how hundreds of thousands of pounds were funnelled from the UK into Moro’s bank accounts in Ghana. The National Crime Agency (NCA) tracked emails and uncovered a paper trail, including addresses linked to the fraud.
On Tuesday, Moro was sentenced to five-and-a-half years behind bars. Patrick received an 18-month suspended sentence. Both denied wrongdoing. Moro claimed the cash was from a clothing business while Patrick said she had simply given Moro access to her accounts.
Warning from Authorities
“Romance fraud hits victims both emotionally and financially,” said Paul Boniface, NCA Operations Manager. “People must stay alert to suspicious money requests, even from those they trust. Many victims suffer the cruel shock of realising someone they cared for was deceiving them.”
This grim case is a powerful reminder to always be wary of unexpected financial demands from supposed loved ones.
