40-year-old Rodney Roberts, of Trowbridge, Cardiff, was sentenced today at Newport Crown Court to five-years and one-month in prison for fraud by false representation.
Officers from the Proactive Economic Crime Team at Tarian Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU), and South Wales Police, found that between 2021 and 2024 Roberts defrauded three victims of a combined £49,580. Roberts, using the name ‘Paul Smith’, met his victims through online dating and social media platforms.
Roberts connected with his first victim in February 2021. He claimed that he was an American from California, working as an attorney and financier in the UK. Roberts later told the victim that this was a cover story and that he actually worked as an intelligence agent. He claimed that he was not in control of his finances as a result of this work and asked the victim for a financial loan.
During the course of the relationship, Roberts encouraged the victim to invest money into a fictious investment company; assisted the victim with the selling of her home so she could invest more money into the scheme; and requested that the victim open a bank account for him in her name. Unbeknownst to her, Roberts also opened a cryptocurrency account in the victims’ name.
Roberts connected with his second victim in October 2022. Again he encouraged her to invest money in an investment opportunity, promising high returns. Roberts would show the victim screenshots of the investment growing. However, these were fraudulent and created by him. Throughout the relationship, Roberts would make excuses as to why he was unable to pay the victim back.
Roberts connected with his third victim in March 2024. He claimed that he was an American TV producer working for the BBC on a two-year visa. Roberts asked the victim for help with money, explaining that he was struggling to access his American bank accounts and wanted to put a deposit down on a flat. Again, Roberts showed fake account screenshots to encourage his victim. He also made excuses again for why the money borrowed was never returned.
Ultimately, the victim became suspicious, and online research led her to two historic news articles. These articles detailed previous fraud offences carried out by Rodney Roberts using the alias Paul Smith. She then contacted South Wales Police as a victim of fraud.
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.”
