Welcome to the wild world of private jets, diamond deals, and one very expensive broken heart. If you’ve ever swiped right on someone too charming to be true, The Tinder Swindler is your worst nightmare wrapped in a Gucci bow.
Netflix’s hit documentary The Tinder Swindler isn’t just another true crime flick—it’s a cautionary tale for the digital age. Packed with designer clothes, champagne-fuelled yacht trips, and too many red flags to count, it tells the story of Simon Leviev (real name: Shimon Hayut)—a so-called billionaire heir who scammed his way through Tinder, one love story at a time.
Cecilie: A fairy tale that flew off the runway
Our story starts with Cecilie, a self-confessed Tinder expert and hopeless romantic. When Cecilie matches with Simon, her life takes a dramatic turn. On the first date, we’re discussing five-star hotels and a private jet.
He wined her, dined with her and ghosted her… well, almost. Instead of disappearing, he sent pictures of “enemies” attacking him and bloodied guards. He begged her for help—and money. And because he had built trust with her, she gave him the benefit of the doubt.
Warning: The story doesn’t end with Cecilie alone.
The fake prince of diamonds
Simon Leviev claimed to be the son of Lev Leviev, one of the most powerful diamond tycoons in the world. His Instagram? He exudes an aura of luxury. His WhatsApp? His voice was full of sweet notes. His story? Completely fake.
He used the money he got from one woman to impress the next—a Ponzi scheme of love and lies. If you thought catfishing was bad, this is it in a Prada suit with a forged passport.
Related: Top tips for spotting online dating red flags
Cecilie’s story: Romance, roses, and red flags
Simon sweeps Cecilie off her feet. Lavish gifts. Jet-setting romance. There are promises of moving in together. It’s a fantasy most users on popular dating apps only dream of. But things take a dark turn.
Simon sends her disturbing photos—bloodied, injured, claiming his enemies are after him. And now he can’t access his funds. It’s the start of a manipulative spiral where love turns into a financial nightmare.
Pernilla: Friendship with a fraud
Enter Pernilla, another woman pulled into Simon’s VIP lifestyle—only this time, as a friend. Champagne in Mykonos? Yes, please. But soon enough, the same SOS messages start rolling in.
“Help, my enemies are after me.”
“They have blocked my card.”
“Can you send me €30,000?”
It’s like Gone Girl meets Catch Me If You Can, but worse—because it’s real.
Why did they believe him? Social media smoke and mirrors
Let’s be honest—if someone Googled you, what would they find? For Simon, it was a perfectly polished facade: LinkedIn profiles, press photos, and a matching last name with the real Leviev family. Even seasoned daters like Cecilie and Pernilla were convinced.
Explore more: 5 signs your dating profile might be too good to be true
The fallout: Not just a heartbreak
Eventually, the Norwegian newspaper VG broke the story. Interpol got involved. But here’s the kicker—he barely served any jail time. Most of the legal system brushed the cases off as “personal financial matters.”
Meanwhile, the women faced mountains of debt and gained media attention.
External read: BBC – Simon Leviev and the global reach of romance fraud
The Tinder Swindler Simon’s status in the fraud hall of fame is not unique.
n’t alone in the fraud hall of fame. He joins a long list of real-life scammers, including
- Anna Delvey (Inventing Anna)—the fake heiress who faked her way through New York high society
- Sweet Bobby—a catfishing saga that spans over a decade
- Elizabeth Holmes (The Dropout)—blood tests, lies, and biotech drama
We’re clearly fascinated by con artists—maybe because they expose how easy it is to manipulate through screens.
Resilience, revenge, and reclaiming power
One of the best things about The Tinder Swindler? These women didn’t stay silent. They stood up, shared their stories, and made global headlines.
They may have been victims, but they refused to let Simon have the last word. Their strength reminds us that even when scammed, you can reclaim your voice—and your narrative.
Final thoughts: Swipe wisely.
Dating in 2025 is a mix of emojis, algorithms, and sometimes, emotional danger. While dating apps such as Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge serve to connect us, they also provide a global platform for manipulation.
So, next time someone promises the world after one coffee date—pause. Google harder. Ask questions. And maybe don’t loan someone your AMEX after three dates.
Still haven’t watched it? The Tinder Swindler is streaming now on Netflix. Bring snacks, and prepare to yell at your screen.
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