A group of women is warning others to conduct background checks on partners they meet through dating apps after the same conman took out loans worth thousands in their names.
Peter Gray, 35, who met his victims on Tinder, was jailed for defrauding four women out of approximately £80,000. One victim expressed that Gray “totally ruined my life” and left her with significant trust issues.
In response to the incidents, Tinder stated it has “implemented various ways to warn users of potential scams.”
Gray, from Mirfield, was sentenced to 56 months in prison in February and received restraining orders concerning his victims.
Jessica, one of the victims who spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live, shared her story of meeting Gray in 2018 after ending a six-year relationship. Although he wasn’t her typical type, she described him as “a good listener and everything I needed at the time.”
During their third date, Jessica left her bag on the dining table while using the bathroom. Gray took this opportunity to photograph her driving license and bank cards. She later discovered that loans totaling £9,000 had been taken out in her name. Despite Gray’s offers to repay the money, Jessica went to the police, stating, “I didn’t want to be tied to this guy for five years because I barely even knew him.”
Another victim, Hannah, also met Gray on Tinder. Initially, she found him “calming and reassuring,” but sensed something was off. After ending their relationship, she received an acceptance letter for a £20,000 loan in her name just a week later. Although the couple briefly reconciled, she ultimately ended the relationship again.