Nine Women Reported Tinder Conman Christopher Harkins Before His Arrest

In a chilling account of the failures of law enforcement to act on numerous complaints, nine women came forward to report one of Scotland's most notorious romance fraudsters, Christopher Harkins. Despite multiple reports spanning nearly a decade, these women felt their pleas were ignored and dismissed by Police Scotland. Harkins, who was eventually sentenced to 12 years in prison in 2024, used dating platforms like Tinder to prey on vulnerable women, using deceit and manipulation to steal thousands of pounds and cause emotional distress.

The Rise of Christopher Harkins: A Profile of Deception

Christopher Harkins, a 38-year-old man, carefully crafted an image on dating apps, presenting himself as a successful, globe-trotting businessman, a "gym rat" who was constantly on the move. His Tinder profile depicted a man living a luxurious life, complete with photos of him in exotic locations and gym selfies that projected health and vitality. To anyone looking from the outside, he seemed like the ideal partner—a man with confidence, ambition, and charisma. However, behind this polished exterior, Harkins was one of Scotland’s most prolific romance fraudsters, targeting women with the sole intention of defrauding them.

Between 2012 and 2019, Harkins successfully lured numerous women, particularly career-driven, independent women in Glasgow and the surrounding areas, into trusting him. These women met Harkins through various dating platforms, most notably Tinder, where he built relationships by manipulating their emotions and exploiting their trust. Once a relationship was established, Harkins would engage in a series of fraudulent activities, including pretending to book romantic vacations, requesting money under the pretense of a frozen bank account, and even making false claims of investing their savings. In one of the most egregious acts, he pressured women to take out loans, sometimes up to £12,000, which he would then steal for personal gain.

The Women Who Reported Him

The BBC investigation revealed that between 2012 and 2019, nine women reported their experiences with Harkins to Police Scotland, but none of these reports resulted in criminal charges. These women, who had been manipulated, financially ruined, and in some cases, physically and emotionally abused, were left feeling dismissed when they sought justice. The reports were often categorized as "civil matters," and the victims were told that there was little that could be done to help them. Some were even asked intrusive questions that seemed irrelevant to the crimes they had experienced, such as whether they had been intimate with Harkins, suggesting a lack of understanding of the true nature of abuse.

One victim, who has been named Lisa to protect her privacy, tried to report Harkins in 2019 after transferring over £3,000 to him for a non-existent holiday. She recalled feeling disillusioned and dismissed by the police: "There was no real sense of urgency or understanding. The response felt belittling and inadequate, as if my ordeal didn’t warrant serious attention," Lisa shared. Lisa’s experience is just one of many, highlighting the systemic failure of the police force at that time to recognize the severity of financial abuse and its connection to wider patterns of emotional and psychological manipulation.

The Impact of Police Dismissal

For the victims who came forward, the lack of action by the authorities not only allowed Harkins to continue his predatory behavior but also compounded the emotional and financial distress they were already experiencing. Many victims felt isolated, as they were either too embarrassed to share their experiences with friends and family or were simply unaware that they were not alone. The stigma surrounding financial abuse, especially when it involves a romantic partner, often leads to feelings of shame and confusion, which can be exacerbated by a dismissive or unhelpful response from the police.

Dr. Jenn Glinski, a specialist from Scottish Women’s Aid, emphasized the importance of early intervention in cases of financial abuse, as it can often be a precursor to other forms of exploitation and violence. The failure to investigate these early warning signs allowed Harkins to evade justice for years, allowing him to continue to cause harm to women who were just trying to find love. "When these cases are treated as isolated incidents and not connected to wider patterns of abuse, it gives perpetrators the opportunity to continue their crimes unchecked," Dr. Glinski explained.

Media Coverage Sparks Police Reconsideration

The breakthrough in the case came in 2019 when Lisa, frustrated with the police’s lack of action, reached out to journalist Catriona Stewart. Stewart had written an article in Glasgow's *Evening Times* about her ordeal, and within hours of the piece going live, several other women contacted her with similar stories about Harkins. This growing network of victims led to renewed attention from the authorities. Following the publication of the article, police revisited the earlier reports and began to investigate Harkins more thoroughly. They uncovered a string of fraudulent activities and crimes spanning over a decade, ultimately leading to Harkins’ arrest in 2020.

The Case Against Harkins

In May 2024, Harkins stood trial at the High Court in Paisley, where he was convicted of 19 separate offenses. These included rape, assault, recording intimate videos without consent, threatening and abusive behavior, and a range of other sexual offenses. His victims testified against him, recounting the emotional and psychological manipulation they had endured. One woman, referred to as Jane for legal reasons, described a harrowing incident where Harkins raped her while she was asleep, and another spoke of being forced to take out loans under duress. The details of these testimonies painted a picture of a man who used his charm and deceit to gain the trust of women before exploiting them in the most damaging ways.

Harkins also admitted to defrauding at least nine women of more than £214,000. However, the BBC uncovered evidence that suggests the total amount of fraud could be higher, with a further £53,000 unaccounted for in separate incidents. The victims, who had already suffered significant emotional and financial damage, found some small comfort in the fact that Harkins was finally held accountable for his actions. Yet, for many, the journey to justice had been long and fraught with frustration.

The Aftermath: Long-term Effects on Victims

For the women who were affected by Harkins' predatory behavior, the emotional and financial toll has been significant. Many of them have suffered from long-term mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The shame and isolation they experienced, compounded by the initial dismissive responses from the police, have left lasting scars. For some, the financial losses have been devastating, with one woman being forced into bankruptcy, while others are still grappling with years of debt that they are struggling to repay.

Despite the trauma they have endured, many of Harkins’ victims have found strength in sharing their stories. Lisa, for example, has spoken out publicly about her ordeal, expressing relief that justice was finally served. "I feel vindicated, not just for myself, but for all the women who had the courage to come forward," she said. "It's a story I'm now proud to tell, rather than ashamed of. If my story can help someone else avoid what happened to me, then it’s worth it."

Lessons Learned: How to Protect Against Romance Fraud

The case of Christopher Harkins serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of online dating and the importance of being vigilant in relationships that develop through digital platforms. Romance fraud is a growing problem, with millions of pounds being lost each year to scammers who prey on people seeking love and companionship. In 2023 alone, nearly £95 million was lost to romance fraud in the UK, with the average loss per person being over £10,000. These statistics highlight the need for better awareness and safeguards for individuals using dating platforms.

To protect against romance fraud, experts advise that individuals remain cautious when interacting with people online, particularly if they are asked to send money or make financial commitments early in a relationship. It is essential to verify the identity of anyone you meet online and be wary of red flags such as requests for money, secretive behavior, or reluctance to meet in person. Additionally, reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities as soon as possible can help prevent further harm to others.

Conclusion: The Need for Change in Law Enforcement

The failure of the police to investigate Christopher Harkins' crimes earlier in his career is a tragic example of how the justice system can fail vulnerable individuals. The dismissive responses from law enforcement to the reports of financial abuse allowed Harkins to continue his crimes unchecked, causing untold harm to his victims. However, the eventual conviction of Harkins and the lessons learned from this case highlight the importance of evolving policing practices and a more thorough understanding of the complexities of financial and emotional abuse.

As the investigation into Harkins' actions progresses and the victims continue to recover, it is crucial to advocate for greater support for those affected by romance fraud. Better training for police officers, more resources for victim support, and a greater understanding of the intersection between financial abuse and other forms of exploitation will be key to preventing future tragedies.