It feels a bit weird saying I liked this. In Krio, there is a saying “me mot full” meaning “my mouth is full” meaning I. Am. Gobsmacked.
The story follows women who are swindled out of thousands of pounds by one man, claiming to be a diamond billionaire through the dating app, Tinder
I understand how it could happen. Simon Lieve invested in the long con. There was nothing to say upfront; there would be an issue. But it raises some real questions about the decisions women are making in pursuit of ‘the fairy tale’.
To get on a plane with 24 hours of meeting man is a lot. That is a lot of trust to give someone you’ve just met. Then, to fall in love with someone within a month and start taking credit cards and loans out in your name on their behalf is an extreme. To lend them money after they haven’t been able to cover the first lot is questionable too.
I’m not above being seduced by nice words, but this story was sensational, as was the depth of the treachery by Simon.
Honestly, I watched this and thought this could never happen in this way to a Black woman for a number of reasons. Too many questions would have been asked, and as a businesswoman, I would have expected answers to questions like: Why is there no contingency plan for this? Why are authorities not involved? You’ve built a billion dollar business, why isn’t there some sort of reserve in place? Why do you need your friend/girlfriend to bail you out? It just makes no sense?
I am not blaming the victims, but there has to be some consideration of the red flags they missed in the lead up to their money being handed over, ultimately voluntarily. This fact is the reason why these women are still paying off these debts. This doesn’t negate the fact that this man deeply betrayed their trust. The pursuit of being chosen and a luxury lifestyle left people vulnerable.
The Tinder Swindler is out now on Netflix
