Gemma Kingsley, a former model, led a deceitful double life as a romance fraudster, tricking men out of tens of thousands of pounds over several years. Claiming she was set to receive a multi-million-pound inheritance, Kingsley produced forged documents to convince her victims to lend her money, which she never intended to repay.
Between 2016 and 2019, Kingsley weaved an intricate web of lies, exploiting the trust of multiple men. One victim was persuaded to spend large sums on furniture, dental bills, wedding expenses, and clearing her debts, all based on the promise of reimbursement from her supposed inheritance. Kingsley also exploited his bank cards, opening a betting account in his name and squandering his money through gambling.
After their relationship ended, Kingsley began deceiving another man, securing payments for deposits on luxury vehicles—a Land Rover and a Porsche—and funding expensive hotel stays. She also used his bank cards without authorization, accumulating substantial debts.
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Her fraudulent activities extended into brief relationships where she accessed victims’ personal and company bank cards for unauthorized purchases. Additionally, Kingsley committed theft and fraud against legal professionals and banks by falsifying documents.
Initially denying all accusations and portraying herself as a victim, Kingsley evaded contact with authorities multiple times before being arrested in Bristol in 2022. After further delays and absences from court, she was finally apprehended in the Scottish Highlands in mid-2025.
In recent hearings, Kingsley pleaded guilty to 13 offences, including multiple counts of romance fraud. Detective Constable Melissa Pope of Wiltshire Police highlighted the deep emotional and financial toll on the victims, emphasizing that the betrayal of trust often leaves long-lasting scars. She encouraged anyone suspecting they have fallen victim to romance scams to come forward without shame, noting the importance of documenting interactions to aid investigations.
Kingsley’s case stands as a stark reminder of the devastating impacts of romance fraud and the resilience needed to recover from such betrayal.