Swindled Never After: How We Survived (and You Can Spot) a Relationship Scammer

by Pernilla Sjöholm, Cecilie Fjellhøy

From two survivors of the “Tinder Swindler” comes a powerful resource that gives readers practical guidance to evade romance fraud and similar scams.

Millions of people who turn to digital social networks for friendship, connection, or love wind up devastated—and not just emotionally. Fraudsters and trolls doling out online harassment, destroying reputations, and causing their victims to rack up crushing debt are on the rise, and dismissive authorities and institutions are leaving said victims desperate.

Now, in their own words, Cecilie Fjellhøy and Pernilla Sjöholm—two targets of con man Simon Leviev, the subject of Netflix’s The Tinder Swindler—delve into how their harrowing experiences of betrayal and financial ruin at the hands of a master manipulator have impacted their lives. But this book doesn’t just share their experiences; it’s an educational cautionary tale and call to action.

Interwoven with their candid personal narratives are expert insights into the mechanics of relationship scams, the psychological toll on victims, and the loopholes in banking and cybercrime laws that leave injured parties unprotected. In this book, educators, law enforcement professionals, financial institutions, and users of dating apps and social media sites alike will find invaluable guidance for identifying and addressing these pervasive crimes.

An unflinching look at relationship fraud and the systemic failures that allow it to flourish, Swindled Never After is a must-read for anyone navigating the minefield of modern dating as well as those working to safeguard others against similar scams.

230 pages, Paperback

Published August 19, 2025

Reviews

[Charlene (pageandplace) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pernilla Sjoholm and Cecilie Fjellhoy tell their stories and experiences with a con man. Not only do you hear from the survivors but the book includes expert insights into the mechanisms of relationship scams.

The internet and social media brought us communication and connection along with sweetheart scams and heartbreak! 💔

Swindlers profit everyday- this is their full time job and unfortunately they are good at what they do. They are master manipulators and take advantage of not only their victims but also the loopholes in cybercrime laws and with the financial institutions.

A true crime tale from two of the “Tinder Swindler” survivors. This books serves as a practical guide and resource to understand and evade romance and similar scams.

Anyone can be scammed, in-person, online or over the telephone. Hopefully this book will help you, your friends and loved ones open your eyes to the reality that has taken the internet by storm- sweetheart scams (and similar)! With the education brought forward, hopefully others will not be victimized and those who already have can heal. ❤️‍🩹

Use this book as a resource, know the red flags 🚩, talk to a trusted friend/family member and report the scam!!!

This was a great read, very informative and I think helpful not only to those who have already had something happen to them but also for others who may not know about these scams. The various perspectives from law enforcement/judicial system, the financial institutions, psychologists and those affected all play a vital role in understanding how to prevent and protect from fraud. It is crucial to work together and not simply blame the victims, while the suspects get away and are continuing their reign of fraudulent scams.

Thank you to the authors, Pernilla Sjoholm and Cecilie Fjellhoy, and Podium Publishing for the opportunity to read this book. I received a gifted copy and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[♡Heather✩Brown♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

#ad much love for my finished copy @podiumentertainment #partner

SWINDLED NEVER AFTER
Available via KU

“What has become clear is that technology doesn't necessarily make us more knowledgeable, and it certainly doesn't protect us,” (p. 37).

You might recall the Netflix documentary The Tinder Swindler - well this book is the story behind that documentary. It’s a cautionary tale, a “you think it’d never be you, but it could be,” step-by-step story of how easy it is to become a victim. How to protect yourself from becoming a victim and more.

The documentary didn’t tell us everything: but this book does! Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about you can find in this book. It’s a phenomenal read but also an important one.

Stop blaming the victims. Ffs. I loved how at the beginning of each chapter a question meant to shame the victims was turned around and asked another way - putting the blame back on the person it belongs to.

Well researched, expertly told, with tons of resources this is more than a simple story about relationship fraud - it’s a guide, a source of help and understanding.

Food for Thought:
Men and women get taken advantage of at about the same rate - but I bet those men aren’t called “gold diggers.”

Smarter people are easier to con.

A timely and important read. Relationship fraud is on the rise.

[JessQueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swindled Never After
by Cecilie Fjellhoy & Pernilla Sjoholm

Thanks to the ALC program by @librofm I had the opportunity to listen to this amazing story of resilience, determination and courage.

There’s really not much to say about what happen to these wonderful women! Unfortunately, the best we can do as women all around the world is listen to their stories and be ready. Support each other. Avoid being judgemental. Get rid of questions such as: How come you didn’t realize sooner? And a billion more…

This journey is one of deceit, disappointment and heartache. It’s witnessing how amazing women were taken down the rabbit hole and almost disappeared. It is to witness how they almost lost themselves by the evil hands of someone with no scruples neither any ounce of humanity or decency.

Supporting women, supporting each other is key not only to survive these kind of experiences but also to be able to move on with our lives and re learn how to trust again.

Personal thoughts 💭

Legal systems all around the world must change, otherwise justices will never be served to match de damage.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very useful book for many reasons. The main one, how to protect yourself from swindlers who prey on your needs. I’ve encountered a couple of scams, one through a job offer, and another one trying to adopt a dog. I was lucky I got suspicious quickly, and didn’t spend time or money on them, but it was a close call. And the signs were all there. It’s sad to see how many frauds happen via social media, and job sites, and how good they are at convincing people, but the whole constant calling, the time constraints, moving things out of safe sites, etc. pans out, and it’s good to know. I don’t think this book is only for those of us who are looking for a romantic relationship, but it helps all of us who have a social media presence, who have professional profiles, because the tips they share, the heartbreaking stories they lived (and are still reeling from), are powerful lessons that could benefit us all.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this as an advanced listening copy from Libro.fm. I was fascinated by the stories of the two women profiled in the Tinder Swindler documentary. They go on a deep dive, much further than in the documentary. Not only do they expand upon their experiences, they talk about the psychological impact it has had on them and how they have risen from it. They provide many practical tips on how to spot a scammer and detail how they are advocating for change in law enforcement to protect victims of relationship fraud. I highly recommend it, especially on audio (great reader).