Serial romance fraudster jailed

A serial romance fraudster is back behind bars after scamming a number of vulnerable women out of thousands of pounds.

Raymond McDonald, 51, began relationships with multiple women through dating apps earlier this year whilst lying about his profession.

He claimed to be a probation officer who could access cheap goods through his line of work, manipulating his multiple ‘girlfriends’ into sending him thousands of pounds for which he never provided the goods or returned the money.

He also asked for funds in promise of buying a house together, going on holidays abroad and planning a wedding.

One of the women he was in a false relationship had even been taken to Dubai by McDonald where he pretended to marry her in an unlawful ceremony.

McDonald’s true identity was uncovered when one of the victims saw his picture on a social media site entitled ‘are we dating the same guy?’ where multiple people exposed him as a fraudster.

In March this year, McDonald, who was previously jailed in 2016 for seven-and-a-half years for the same offence, was arrested and later charged with three counts of fraud by false representation.

In April, he appeared at Newcastle Crown Court where he pleaded guilty all offences.

And on Friday (August 30), McDonald, of no fixed abode, appeared back at the same court where he was jailed for four-and-a-half years.

He was also handed multiple restraining orders to protect his multiple victims. 

Detective Constable Saad Sheban led the investigation for Northumbria Police.

Following the sentencing, he has shared these words.

McDonald is a serial scammer, who routinely preys on vulnerable women who are just trying to find a life companion.

He clearly has learned nothing from his previous spell in prison and has slipped right back into his old ways.

The victims have been incredibly brave throughout the investigation, and I want to thank them for speaking up – by reporting what happened to them they can help prevent it happening again.

These types of criminals are incredibly manipulative and sophisticated in how they operate. They often use fake names and create false identities to prey on vulnerable people looking for friendships or romantic partners.

Remember to never give out money to people you’ve met online and if you think you have been a victim of romance fraud, do not feel ashamed or embarrassed – you are not alone.

To report an offence of fraud, contact us using the ‘Report’ pages of the website.

You can also contact Action Fraud through their website Action Fraud or by calling 0300 123 2040.