Victorian man Stephen Cross has been found guilty of defrauding women of over $45,000 through online relationships, a cunning and calculated crime that has left his victims devastated and financially ruined. Cross, an unemployed man from Gippsland, crafted a web of lies, pretending to be a landscaper and fabricating injuries, a sick mother, and hacked bank accounts to manipulate and exploit his victims. His deception extended to property ownership, as he falsely claimed to own homes in Inverloch and Warragul, even taking one victim to an open house, a calculated move to make himself appear wealthy and trustworthy.
The impact of Cross's deception is profound. One victim, in her victim impact statement, shared her emotional turmoil, feeling sick at the thought of their time together and deeply affected by the falsehoods she believed. She watched 'The Tinder Swindler' with Cross, a moment that highlighted the irony of their relationship, as she trusted and believed in his lies while he manipulated her. The court heard of Cross's ability to stop contact for months, leaving his victims fearful and confused, only to return with more lies and demands for money.
The financial toll of Cross's fraud is staggering. He took $45,000 from one victim, who refinanced her mortgage to give him $16,000, believing he was in hospital with appendix issues. Another victim met him in Warragul to collect $3,000, while he asked for $54,000 after a fabricated car accident in September 2023. Cross's deception extended to his online presence, as he communicated with a fourth victim under a false identity, claiming to own a beach house in Inverloch and regularly requesting money for various emergencies.
The court has heard that Cross's actions are not isolated incidents but part of a pattern of behavior. His defense lawyer acknowledged the aggravating factors, including the similarity to previous offenses and the timing of the crimes around his previous imprisonment. Cross's case highlights the devastating impact of online fraud, where trust is manipulated, and financial ruin can occur swiftly. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of verifying online identities and the potential consequences of falling victim to such deceit.
