Retired nursery nurse Di Pogson, from Holmfirth enjoyed 30 years of happy marriage before her husband developed a brain aneurism and died. A few years later, Di decided to join an online dating website in the hope of “finding companionship”.
She eventually received a message from a man who used a fake identity and alias of ‘Kevin Thompson’. The two exchanged life stories and photographs. Over time they grew closer and she ended up sending him £40,000, and taking out £20,000 loan for him.
She said: “He seemed genuinely interested in me as a person and not just wanting a one night stand.”
On the BBC programme For Love or Money, Kym Marsh and Ashley John-Baptiste spoke to Di about her situation, and how she managed to move on from this horrific time in her life.
Di explained that Kevin claimed to be an international businessman, a dog lover, just like her. Shortly after they met, he said he flew to China on a business trip and put his dog into kennels while he was away.
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The first time he asked her for money was for his dog. He told Di that his dog became sick at the kennels and the vet needed money for the treatment.
Di asked Kevin why he couldn’t pay the £450 bill himself, but she said he told her that his cards had not been working since he got to China. Kevin promised to pay Di back, hopefully in person.
Over time, their relationship became more intense and…
