Stephen Cross, a Victorian man, has been found guilty of defrauding women of over $45,000 through online relationships. His deception spanned two years, during which he created false identities and fabricated stories to manipulate his victims. Cross, an unemployed man, portrayed himself as a landscaper, claiming injuries and even hacking incidents to extract money. He also lied about property ownership, taking one woman to an open house and expressing a desire to live there with her children. The court heard that Cross met his victims through dating apps like Zoosk and Hinge, establishing relationships under the alias Jimmy Smith. One victim, in a 22-month relationship, felt sick recalling their time together, especially after watching 'The Tinder Swindler' together. Cross' deception extended to financial requests, including $16,000 for appendix surgery and $3,000 for a concrete sleeper incident. He even took a victim to a $1.6 million house in Inverloch, falsely suggesting they could move in together. Cross' actions not only caused financial harm but also emotional distress, as he became a trusted figure in his victims' lives. His defense lawyer acknowledged the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the need for pre-sentence detention. Cross, currently in custody, will be sentenced next month, facing the consequences of his elaborate fraud scheme.
