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Swindled Never After: How We Survived (and You Can Spot) a Relationship Scammer
From two “Tinder Swindler” survivors comes a powerful resource detailing how you and your loved ones can reduce your risk of romance fraud and other scams.
Romance scams and other confidence schemes are among the world’s fastest growing types of fraud. This book, written by two women featured in Netflix’s The Tinder Swindler, will flip everything you think you know about relationship scams on its head. As everyone becomes increasingly vulnerable to these crimes, it’s crucial to understand how to keep yourself and your loved ones safer.
Swindled Never After offers behind-the-scenes insights into Cecilie Fjellhøy and Pernilla Sjöholm’s harrowing experiences of betrayal and financial ruin and relates how they used their story to inspire change. Interwoven with their candid personal narratives
· Analysis from experts on the psychological mechanics of relationship scams,
· A summary of the various loopholes in banking and cybercrime laws that leave injured parties unprotected,
· And suggestions for ways to rally for change and use technology to fight against fraud.
If you are a victim of fraud (or suspect a loved one is) or you are currently navigating the minefield of online dating and social media apps, this book is for you. If you saw the documentary and wondered what happened next or you simply want to educate yourself on how to avoid scams, this book is also for you. No matter what brought you here, you will learn how to best advocate for survivors of fraud, how fraudsters operate, and what we as a society can—and must—do to stop them.
“An unflinching account of [the authors’] brushes with suicide and bankruptcy, global fame and public blame, along with online safety tips and expert insight.” —The Times (London)
Romance scams and other confidence schemes are among the world’s fastest growing types of fraud. This book, written by two women featured in Netflix’s The Tinder Swindler, will flip everything you think you know about relationship scams on its head. As everyone becomes increasingly vulnerable to these crimes, it’s crucial to understand how to keep yourself and your loved ones safer.
Swindled Never After offers behind-the-scenes insights into Cecilie Fjellhøy and Pernilla Sjöholm’s harrowing experiences of betrayal and financial ruin and relates how they used their story to inspire change. Interwoven with their candid personal narratives
· Analysis from experts on the psychological mechanics of relationship scams,
· A summary of the various loopholes in banking and cybercrime laws that leave injured parties unprotected,
· And suggestions for ways to rally for change and use technology to fight against fraud.
If you are a victim of fraud (or suspect a loved one is) or you are currently navigating the minefield of online dating and social media apps, this book is for you. If you saw the documentary and wondered what happened next or you simply want to educate yourself on how to avoid scams, this book is also for you. No matter what brought you here, you will learn how to best advocate for survivors of fraud, how fraudsters operate, and what we as a society can—and must—do to stop them.
“An unflinching account of [the authors’] brushes with suicide and bankruptcy, global fame and public blame, along with online safety tips and expert insight.” —The Times (London)
231 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 19, 2025
8 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 25, 2025
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.
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.
August 23, 2025
#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.
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.
November 23, 2025
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
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
September 2, 2025
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.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 25, 2025
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).
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews