Gemma Kingsley, once a model, orchestrated a sophisticated romance fraud that defrauded multiple men of tens of thousands of pounds over several years. She deceived her victims by falsely claiming she was about to receive a multi-million-pound inheritance and even went so far as to forge official documents to substantiate her lies.
Between 2016 and 2019, Kingsley manipulated several partners into lending her significant sums of money, promising repayment from the nonexistent inheritance. One victim was persuaded to cover furniture costs, dental bills, debts, and even a planned wedding that never occurred. She repeatedly used his bank cards without permission, including opening a betting account wherein she lost large amounts gambling.
Kingsley’s deceit extended to another partner who contributed deposits on luxury vehicles, including a Land Rover and a Porsche, as well as extravagant hotel accommodations. Like before, she drained his finances by unauthorized use of his bank cards, plunging him into sizeable debt.
READ MORE: BBC The Repair Shop Star Dominic Chinea Devastated as Storm Destroys Cornwall Workshop and Prized Cadillac
READ MORE: Empty Gloucester Docks Warehouses Cost Taxpayers Over £130,000 Annually
Her fraudulent activities were not limited to romantic partners. Investigations revealed she also targeted solicitors’ firms, lawyers, and a bank by falsifying documents and letters to commit theft and fraud.
The police first took notice in 2019 after Kingsley reportedly used stolen bank details to cover a hotel stay. Wiltshire Police coordinated investigations across multiple forces into her crimes. Despite initial denials and attempts to evade authorities—at one point fleeing to a remote cottage in the Scottish Highlands—Kingsley was eventually apprehended on the Isle of Skye in June 2025.
After months of delaying court proceedings and multiple denials, Kingsley, aged 50 and from Beadnell, Northumberland, pleaded guilty to 13 offenses of fraud and theft.
Detective Constable Melissa Pope from Wiltshire Police highlighted the severe emotional and financial trauma inflicted on the victims, emphasizing the profound breach of trust inherent in romance fraud. She applauded Kingsley’s eventual admission of guilt and encouraged anyone who suspects they are victims of similar scams to come forward without shame.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that romance fraud can have, impacting not only victims’ finances but their mental and emotional wellbeing for years to come.