A woman has been praised for not falling for the lies of a “cruel and callous man”.
The ECHO previously reported on serial romance fraudster Cieran McNamara who tried to manipulate another woman for money. Sarah, whose name has been changed to protect her identity, said McNamara, who called himself Myles, repeatedly asked her for pictures of herself, tried to arrange to meet her, and on one occasion, asked her for money to “get back to Liverpool from London”.
But it was only last week that Sarah found out McNamara’s true identity – a fraudster who built a false, lavish lifestyle for himself by swindling money from women who he pretended to be in loving relationships with. McNamara, who also used the names Ciaran Griffin, Christian McNamara and Myles McNamara travelled across the UK in first class on trains and planes, while staying in 5* hotels.
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He met his victims through a variety of different methods. On some occasions he met them online on dating sites like Bumble and Tinder, while on others he would visit exclusive hotels and clubs, with the overall aim of praying of wealthy or vulnerable individuals for his own financial gain.
Since sharing Sarah’s story, hundreds of comments have come pouring in as many people praised the 36-year-old for not falling for his lies. ECHO reader Yvonne Owens said: “Well done that girl for not falling for his lies. Scouse girls are a formidable force to be faced with.”
James Roger William Sims added: “Wow what a sicko.” Abbey Cartwright commented: “Wow what a catch.”
One reader described McNamara as a “spiteful” man as another added: “Always tell people you got no money even if you have.”
Speaking to the ECHO this week, Sarah said after meeting him on a dating site, he then asked for her number and they started texting. She added: “He told me he lived in Liverpool. He asked where I was from and I said I was from West Derby. He then said he had lived in houses behind the Jolly Miller for 15 years. This was weird to me, I’ve lived in West Derby all my life and know the houses there are pretty new.”
However, Sarah said the messages progressed to asking for money – something she flat out refused to do. Although Sarah never met him, despite his repeated attempts, McNamara often went on dates with unsuspecting women where he flooded them with gifts, weekends away and expensive meals.
An investigation was launched by detectives from the Cheshire Constabulary Economic Crime Unit which resulted in McNamara’s arrest in Colchester on September 28. He was subsequently charged with four counts of fraud by false representation.
Following his arrest officers have since raided a lock-up which was being rented by McNamara where they recovered approximately £19,500 worth of brand new goods – including a £1,900 Burberry Coat, a £400 Burberry Scarf, Dubarry boots, Gucci trainers and a Ping golf set.
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Robert Johnson is a UK-based business writer specializing in finance and entrepreneurship. With an eye for market trends and a keen interest in the corporate world, he offers readers valuable insights into business developments.