Tinder Swindler Chris Harkins Jailed for £214,000 Fraud Scheme

A swindler who operated on the dating app Tinder has been sentenced to twelve years in prison for defrauding multiple victims out of more than £214,000. Chris Harkins, 30, preyed on women seeking companionship, convincing them to part with their money under the guise of planning romantic holidays. One of his victims, Shannon McKechnie, 40, recounted her harrowing experience, which began when she started dating Harkins in 2019.

Harkins presented himself as a successful engineer and managed to charm McKechnie into transferring him over £3,000 for a holiday they allegedly planned together. After the funds were sent, McKechnie found that Harkins’ phone number had been disconnected, and all communication ceased. Weeks later, Harkins reappeared, sending a photo of a bag filled with cash, claiming he would return her money. Despite his promises, he never showed up.

Following this deception, McKechnie and others realised they had fallen victim to a larger scam. Harkins manipulated at least thirteen women, using their trust to extract significant sums of money. His tactics included sending them screenshots of idyllic vacation destinations, only to pocket the payments without making any reservations.

Victims Unite Against Fraud

After enduring financial and emotional distress, McKechnie decided to take action. She launched a GoFundMe campaign aimed at helping victims recover their lost funds. “It started back in 2019… He was totally normal,” McKechnie shared in an interview. “There wasn’t really anything that was giving off red flags.” Her sentiments echo the experiences of many victims who struggle to recognise deceit until it is too late.

During Harkins’ sentencing in January 2024, it was revealed that his fraudulent activities had a devastating impact on numerous women. Detective Chief Inspector Lyndsay Laird from Police Scotland described Harkins as a “violent and contemptible individual” who used manipulation and coercion to fund his lavish lifestyle. Laird praised the courage of victims who came forward to assist in securing the conviction.

McKechnie’s experience was far from isolated. Many women reported similar tactics employed by Harkins, who convinced them to send him money under false pretenses. “He would persuade them to transfer money for holidays,” Laird noted, referring to Harkins’ calculated schemes.

Empowering Victims and Moving Forward

Though McKechnie eventually managed to recover her money, she expressed feelings of guilt for other victims who were not as fortunate. “I know it’s not my fault, but I do just feel like they haven’t had justice,” she stated. Harkins’ actions have left a lasting impression, leading McKechnie to advocate for awareness of romance scams.

She has urged victims to come forward, challenging the stigma associated with being defrauded. “Every one of these victims was in a relationship with him,” she explained. “It was all legit and all part of the story that he’s telling.” Despite the trauma she experienced, McKechnie believes in the importance of supporting one another, stating, “It’s all about women empowering women.”

As she continues her campaign, McKechnie hopes to raise funds to assist Harkins’ victims in recovering some of their lost money and to help them create new memories. “I just thought maybe a really nice way to end this story is to help people get their money back,” she said.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of online dating and the need for vigilance in romantic relationships. McKechnie’s advocacy highlights the importance of community support and the resilience of those who have suffered from scams.