The Tinder Swindler: Unveiling the True Internet Con Artist

The Netflix true-crime sensation The Tinder Swindler plays out like an action movie. Women who thought they’d found love on a dating app ended up starring in a psychological thriller they never signed up for.

One of the first women we meet is Cecilie, who she self-describes as “a bit of a Tinder expert”. She connects with a charming man who goes by the name Simon Leviev on a dating application. What does their first date involve? Their first date consisted of a dinner at a five-star hotel, which was followed by an unexpected trip on a private jet. Everything seemed perfect. However, things didn’t turn out as expected.

The fake diamond prince: Who is Simon Leviev?

Simon Leviev claimed to be the son of a billionaire diamond mogul. His real name? Shimon Hayut, a convicted fraudster. His lavish lifestyle, luxury hotels, and photos of private jets all helped sell the illusion to dozens of women across the globe.

In the world of online dating applications, it’s not uncommon for people to embellish their lives. But Simon took it to a criminal level.

Cecilie’s story: Romance, roses, and red flags

Cecilie is swept off her feet. Lavish gifts. Jet-setting romance. 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’s perspective: Friendship with the fraudster

Then comes Pernilla, a confident Swede with an international edge. She doesn’t fall romantically for Simon but becomes part of his luxurious world. She enjoys sun-soaked yacht trips and champagne-fuelled nights with Simon and his Russian model girlfriend. But soon, the same threats appear—enemies, blocked bank accounts, desperate pleas for money.

Whether you’re using the Tinder dating application or other top-rated dating apps, Simon’s scam exposes a vulnerability that resonates with millions.

Why victims believed him: The social media illusion

Cecilie admits she Googled Simon—because that’s what anyone would do. Everything seemed legit. From LinkedIn profiles to Tinder online dating accounts, his identity appeared solid.

Women even shared romantic voicemails and videos retrieved from their message histories. Cecilie scouted high-end flats; he said they’d live in together. He masterfully played the deception.

When fantasy collapses: The fallout from the fraud

Eventually, a Norwegian newspaper, VG, pieces it all together in a bombshell exposé. The story breaks wide open, and Interpol steps in.

But even then, law enforcement dismisses the crimes as “small”, despite the emotional and financial ruin left in Simon’s wake. It’s a harsh reminder that the digital age of dating websites can expose people to global-scale manipulation.

Real-life horror: More than just heartbreak

One woman said she felt like she was in a horror movie. And honestly, it’s difficult to disagree. Watching The Tinder Swindler, each twist leaves you stunned. How did he get away with it for so long?

Netflix’s true-crime documentaries can often feel overblown or padded, but not this one. At just under two hours, it’s fast, focused, and impactful—leaving viewers equal parts angry and awestruck.

A wider trend: The obsession with scam culture

This documentary joins the ranks of other fraud-focused stories like Sweet Bobby and Inventing Anna, where Anna Delvey’s “fake heiress” con had the world hooked.

These aren’t just cautionary tales. They reflect a deep fascination with how easily modern technology—especially dating apps and social media—can be used for deceit.

What the victims teach us: Resilience in the face of betrayal

Despite the trauma, the women in The Tinder Swindler are more than just victims. They show strength, wit, and even vengeance. Some manage to reclaim pieces of their dignity—and, in some cases, their money.

Their stories serve as a warning to everyone navigating the world of online dating, Tinder dating websites, or Bumble datBe wary of overly promising profiles. too-good-to-be-true profiles. You should rely on your intuition.

Final thoughts: The Tinder Swindler is the story of our time

The Tinder Swindler strips back the glitz and glamour of digital romance and reveals a painful truth: the internet, for all its convenience, can also be a con artist’s playground.

Whether you use Tinder, Bumble, or any other top dating apps, this Netflix documentary is a must-watch. It’s raw and riveting and leaves you wondering just how many more Simons are out there—waiting to swipe right.