‘Tinder swindler’ jailed for scamming over $100,000 from victims

By Filipa Gaspar

A Tinder swindler who told victims he was an ex-special forces cancer victim worth $534 million has been jailed.

Joseph Gibson, 35, spun a web of lies to his victims including he was worth hundreds of millions of dollars and had served in the Special Boat Service and owned yachts.

He defrauded four victims of almost $106,800 in cash and used the money to maintain the illusion of a luxurious lifestyle.

He appeared at Bristol Crown Court this morning (Aug. 20) after pleading guilty to four counts of fraud by false representation, which happened between July 2020 and October 2021.

The court heard how he met two victims on dating app Tinder and convinced one they were in a relationship.

Other victims reported Gibson had misrepresented himself on different occasions as either a millionaire entrepreneur, an air ambulance pilot, a military veteran, a businessman - and even a doctor.

In many cases, he said to be suffering from terminal cancer and would send victims images of him in hospital 'receiving cancer treatment'.

He has promised to repay his victims with around $53,400 in savings after working in the engineering industry.

Today, Gibson admitted he had been unable to raise that amount of money and could only provide $20,025 until more funds became available.

He told Recorder J Crooknorth that he could save $6,675 per month for compensation.

He asked for his sentence to be deferred to repay his victims in total.

But the judge refused that request and put Gibson behind bars for three years and two months.

The judge also ordered the start of proceedings to recover money gained through his fraud.

Recorder J Crooknorth said today: "You are simply a fraudster.

"It has taken years for you to admit that."

His first victim, a businesswoman, lost more than $6,675 after believing his lies and handing over money for him to buy stock for her retail business.

Gibson told the woman, whom he had met on Tinder, that he had cancer and sent her a photograph of himself in a hospital bed.

The woman was left with less than one pound in her bank account.

The judge described Gibson's second victim as "another Tinder trap", and he based himself on Mr. Grey from Fifty Shades of Grey.

Gibson discovered the woman had $13,350 in savings and convinced her to send it to him for investing, claiming he could turn it into $200,250.

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At one point, the woman took out a loan as Gibson claimed he urgently needed money for private cancer treatment.

The judge told Gibson it will affect her "in the next 5 years", adding: "She has lost all confidence and trust."

The third victim was a relative of the second victim, who lost more than $24,030.

Gibson's last victim was a former superyacht captain who had been taken in by the fraudster's lies about his interest in sailing and boats.

The man described how he was brought to tears when writing his victim's personal statement.

The judge said: "His dream of travelling around the world with his wife has gone."

Pictures and text messages sent by the fraudster to his victims, released by Avon and Somerset Police, show the extent of his cruel offending.

Two images showed Gibson, from Ruthin, Denbighshire, in a hospital bed with a face mask, another showed a blood catheter in his wrist, which also bore a hospital band.

Gibson presented himself as wealthy, successful and well-connected, boasting to victims about his lifestyle and achievements.

In messages, he claimed: "I earnt last week 1.1 million I am trading a 5 million account on my phone from a hospital bed," and said, "I have amazing houses cars boats helicopters."

He also claimed to own "a house in Sandbanks and 21 rented property's" and spoke of a yacht in Monaco.

He used this image of wealth when discussing money with victims, promising: "I will get you 15k by February," and suggesting that if one victim invested $1,470, "I'll put 1100 and match yours and then trade with that."

At other times, however, Gibson asked victims for relatively small sums of money. "Is there any chance I could borrow £20.00 untill I get out," he wrote in one message, adding that he would return it when he left.

In another, he asked: "Can I borrow 65 I'll pay it back when have my wallet later."

Gibson also told victims he was seriously ill, writing: "I think the cancer is back x" and later, "See the DR it's cancer and he wants me to start radio Tuesday do not tell anyone please x."

In another message, he said he was in hospital with pneumonia and Covid and that his cancer treatment had been delayed.

Lead investigator Jenny Williams said: "Joseph Gibson is a confident and manipulative man who developed an extensive web of lies for his own personal gain.

"The impact of fraud on victims can often be profound and long-lasting, and those duped by Gibson have been left with significant debt, a loss of trust and the difficult task of rebuilding their lives.

"His deception has left his victims struggling to come to terms with the extent of his dishonesty.

"Even when challenged, Gibson continued to fabricate new lies to conceal the truth. In some cases, his manipulation left victims feeling isolated and unable to discuss what they were experiencing with others.

"I want to recognise the courage and resilience they've shown throughout this lengthy and complex investigation. It's taken several years to reach this point, but they've remained engaged and supportive throughout.

"By sharing their experiences and supporting this prosecution, they will give other victims of fraud the confidence to come forward and seek support."

He will next appear for a hearing under the Proceeds of Crime Act to recover his assets to repay his victims.