Rodney Roberts (Image: Tarian)
Last Updated: 1 minute ago
A con artist who pretended to be an American intelligence agent, attorney and television producer has been sentenced to more than five years behind bars after defrauding three women out of a combined £49,580.
Rodney Roberts, 40, from Trowbridge, Cardiff, used the fake name Paul Smith to target his victims through online dating and social media platforms between 2021 and 2024.
The first victim
Roberts connected with his first victim in February 2021, claiming to be an American from California working as an attorney and financier in the UK. He later told her this was a cover story and that he was actually an intelligence agent.
He manipulated her into lending him money and investing in a fictitious investment company. Roberts even helped her sell her home so she could put more into the bogus scheme, and had her open a bank account in her name for his use. He also secretly opened a cryptocurrency account in her name without her knowledge.
The second victim
In October 2022, Roberts targeted a second woman, again luring her into a fake investment opportunity with promises of high returns. He showed her fabricated screenshots appearing to show the investment growing, and repeatedly made excuses for why he could not repay her.
The third victim
Roberts met his third victim in March 2024, this time claiming to be an American TV producer working for the BBC on a two-year visa. He asked for money, saying he was struggling to access his American bank accounts and wanted to put a deposit down on a flat. Once again, he used fake account screenshots to encourage her to hand over cash.
The third victim eventually grew suspicious and found two historic news articles detailing previous fraud offences carried out by Roberts using the same alias – Paul Smith. She then contacted South Wales Police.
Sentencing
Roberts was convicted of three counts of fraud and jailed for five years and one month by Judge Celia Hughes at Newport Crown Court.
Detective Constable Amanda Davies, of Tarian ROCU, said: “Romance fraud is a growing and highly damaging form of crime.
“Offenders deliberately exploit trust and vulnerability, and victims can be left with not only significant financial losses, but also psychological distress and embarrassment, which often prevents them from reporting the offence.
“I am pleased with the sentence handed down today. I hope it sends a message to others who would behave in such an abhorrent way for financial gain.
“I would like to recognise the victims for their courage in helping us to pursue a conviction and bring Roberts to justice.
“I would urge anyone who forms a relationship online to be cautious.
“Common warning signs that someone is acting fraudulently include requests for money, a reluctance to meet up in person or via video call, and / or pressure to keep a relationship secret.
“Further warning signs can include love bombing, whereby a new or prospective partner overwhelms you with excessive attention, affection, or grand gestures, typically early in the relationship.
“Fraudsters, and romance fraudsters in particular, excel at spinning a narrative that can sound plausible to victims.
“If you feel that something could be too good to be true, I encourage you to trust your instincts. Reach out to friends or family.
“If you believe you may have been a victim of romance fraud, report it to Report Fraud: https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/
“Tarian ROCU will continue to pursue fraudsters and bring them before the courts.”
⚖️ Anyone concerned about romance fraud can report it via https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/
