With the recent release of “The Tinder Swindler,” a Netflix true crime documentary, public awareness of a particular type of financial and hiring civil fraud lawyers is expanding, as is the number of lawsuits brought against the film’s subject, Simon Leviev.
The film follows the exploits of three unsuspecting victims of the so-called “Tinder Swindler.” These ladies met Leviev through online dating platforms, and as their relationships progressed, each woman was subjected to massive fraud, which cost them millions of dollars. In actuality, despite the fact that Leviev’s legal name is Simon Leviev, he was born Shimon Hayut and only altered his name to support his fraudulent schemes by acting as the son of a powerful diamond billionaire.
Leviev’s schemes followed a predictable pattern, in which each victim contributed the funds required to finance Leviev’s opulent lifestyle, allowing him to recruit new victims. Leviev pretended to be the son of Lev Leviev, a billionaire diamond mogul, on Tinder, baiting his unsuspecting victims. Leviev’s deception began once he matched with a possible victim. First, Leviev flaunted his alleged wealth by inviting victims on excursions throughout the world on private flights, to exclusive clubs, and to five-star hotels.
Leviev’s more destructive manipulation came as the victims adjusted to Leiev’s lifestyle and developed a meaningful relationship with him – whether romantic or platonic. Leviev persuaded his victims to take out large loans in their own names, but he insisted on receiving the money. He informed his victims that his life was in danger owing to diamond business issues, and that he couldn’t use his current credit cards, which bore his name, because he didn’t want to be tracked down by his dangerous “enemies.” Leviev even shared the same video footage with numerous of his victims, claiming to show his “bodyguard” being beaten up and evacuated in an ambulance.
Leviev’s deceptive method eventually become self-sustaining. Leviev continued to receive payments and loans from his previous victim as a new victim was pursued on Tinder (s). Previous victims footed the bill for each new luxurious experience.
Leviev is currently a free man in Israel, which is unfortunate for the victims, many of whom believed they had fallen in love or formed a meaningful friendship with him. There are currently various legal complaints filed against him via civil fraud lawyers, which may be of some consolation.
Most notably, the Leviev family has launched a lawsuit in Israel against Simon Leviev for falsely representing himself as a member of their family in order to obtain personal financial gain. In addition, the family’s attorney has stated that the family intends to pursue additional monetary actions against any other person or company who associates themselves with Simon Leviev, allowing him to profit even more from his false use of the family’s name.
Individual victims have also attempted to sue Leviev for his deceptive business practises. However, considering the worldwide breadth of Leviev’s offences, such attempts have been impossible to succeed on thus far. Leviev frequently carried out the plan with victims in several European nations while personally lived in Israel.
With the benefit of hindsight, Leviev’s victims may appear to have known better than to accept his extravagant spending and claims. However, such a viewpoint misses Leviev’s meticulously crafted grooming of the ladies, as well as his aggressive and made-up claims about the potential risks both he and his victims faced if he did not obtain a new infusion of cash. This form of deception is commonly referred to as “romantic fraud,” and the FBI recently warned that such schemes are not widespread, and that they frequently target women over 40.
When it comes to money management, the “Tinder Swindler” episode exposes a crucial truth. In any connection, whether personal or professional, trust is a critical skill to develop. However, it’s especially dangerous to put your faith in someone with whom you’ve spent a lot of time online but very little time in person.
Furthermore, taking out loans or opening a new credit card should be carefully reviewed, and loans should not be given to a relative stranger. Furthermore, individuals who intend to provide financial aid to a friend or partner should put the agreement in writing and have some sort of collateral to back it up. Civil fraud lawyers can be of help if you have any questions about deceptive financial scams like this one, the experts at Savage Villoch Law are ready to help. Please contact us if you would like a consultation or additional information.
