Serial Conman Targets Women on Dating Apps After Jail Release

Raymond McDonald, a repeat offender with 58 convictions, is back on dating apps hunting for his next victim after his latest prison release.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:18am

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An extreme close-up of a shattered smartphone screen, the glass reflecting a faint glow, conceptually representing the aftermath of a dating app scam.The harsh aftermath of a dating app scam, where shattered dreams and broken trust leave victims grappling with the emotional and financial fallout.Durham Today

Raymond McDonald, a serial con artist with a long history of fraud and theft convictions, has been released from prison and is once again targeting women on dating apps, spinning elaborate lies to steal their savings. Despite his criminal past, McDonald claims he's just looking for 'friendship,' but his actions suggest otherwise. Victims like Caroline and Susan have lost their homes and life savings after falling for McDonald's schemes, and experts believe there could be hundreds more victims too ashamed to come forward.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in stopping repeat offenders like McDonald from exploiting vulnerable people through online dating platforms. While dating apps claim to have advanced detection systems, scammers continue to slip through the cracks, leaving victims with devastating emotional and financial consequences. It raises questions about what more can be done to protect the public and hold serial con artists accountable.

The details

Over the past two decades, Raymond McDonald has amassed an astonishing 58 convictions, mostly for fraud and theft. His latest scheme involved posing as 'Rob,' a deep-sea diver 'looking for a wife,' on dating apps to target a fictional profile created by a BBC reporter. When he showed up for their 'date,' he was confronted by the camera crew, but shrugged off the harm he's caused, claiming he's 'just looking for friendship.' However, his actions, such as offering to help a stranger's daughter move and suggesting a Vegas wedding without ever meeting the women, suggest otherwise.

  • Just days after his seventh prison release, McDonald was back on dating apps, hunting for his next target.
  • In April 2026, the BBC confronted McDonald after he showed up to meet a fictional dating profile they had created.

The players

Raymond McDonald

A serial con artist with a long history of fraud and theft convictions, who has been released from prison and is once again targeting women on dating apps.

Caroline

A divorcee from County Durham who lost her home after giving money to 'Mark Swift,' McDonald's fictional persona, for a wedding that never existed.

Susan

A single mother from Wearside who pawned her mother's rings and ended up in a women's refuge after McDonald drained her finances.

Philippa Goymer

A BBC reporter who created a fictional dating profile to confront McDonald when he showed up for their 'date.'

Northumbria Police

The police force that believes there could be hundreds of victims of McDonald's scams, many too ashamed to come forward.

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What they’re saying

“There must be more they can do to stop people like him.”

— Susan, Single mother

“It causes such mental health anguish to your average Joe who just goes to work, raises her kids, and wants to find love.”

— Susan, Single mother

What’s next

McDonald is currently back in prison, but his victims fear it's only a matter of time before he's out again, ready to target more unsuspecting women on dating apps.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need for dating apps and the broader justice system to work together to better protect vulnerable people from serial con artists like Raymond McDonald. Stronger safeguards, improved detection systems, and more comprehensive support for victims are all crucial steps to prevent future heartbreak and financial ruin.