Scams, Money & Murder: INTERVIEW with Pernilla Sjöholm & Cecilie Fjellhøy, Tinder Swindler Victims

Release Date: May 1, 2025
Host: Nicole Lapin
Podcast: Crime House Studios

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Scams, Money & Murder, host Nicole Lapin sits down with Cecilia Felhoy and Pernilla Sjöholm, two courageous women who fell victim to the infamous "Tinder Swindler," Simon Levy. Their harrowing stories shed light on the sophisticated tactics employed by fraudsters and the profound emotional and financial toll such schemes can take on victims.

The Allure of Simon Levy

Cecilia Felhoy begins by recounting how Simon initially captivated her:

"[04:02] Cecilia Felhoy: I went on a date with him, and it was proper love bombing at the start, you know, extravagant gifts and talking about the future very early on."

Cecilia, a self-proclaimed "hopeless romantic," found herself drawn into Simon's lavish lifestyle, characterized by private jets and designer gifts. This intense initial phase made it difficult for her to recognize the looming threat.

Pernilla Sjellom echoes similar sentiments:

"[05:22] Pernilla Sjellom: He was very good at creating an instant connection. After spending a day with him, it felt like I had known him for over 10 years."

Their shared experiences highlight Simon's ability to manipulate emotions, fostering deep bonds that laid the groundwork for his deceit.

The Unraveling: Signs of the Scam

The turning point for both women came when Simon began to fabricate crises to extract money:

Cecilia describes receiving a distressing message that signaled the beginning of the scam:

"[13:13] Cecilia Felhoy: He sent me a threatening email saying, 'We know you, your friends, your family. Every action is going to be a reaction.'"

This message was a clear red flag, pushing Cecilia to start questioning Simon's authenticity. Similarly, Pernilla details her skepticism when a check Simon provided didn't arrive:

"[20:00] Pernilla Sjellom: When I brought the check to my bank, they said everything looked fine, but later I realized it was fake."

Despite these warning signs, both victims found themselves ensnared deeper into the scam due to emotional manipulation and the fear of losing everything they had invested.

Emotional and Financial Toll

The aftermath of the scam was devastating for both women, leading to severe emotional distress and financial ruin.

Pernilla openly discusses her struggle with suicidal thoughts:

"[24:56] Pernilla Sjellom: I was suicidal. I was so bad."

Cecilia shares her experience of being institutionalized and facing legal battles:

"[46:54] Cecilia Felhoy: My mom had to put me into an acute psychiatric ward because I knew my life was over."

The psychological impact of such scams extends far beyond financial loss, leaving victims grappling with guilt, shame, and a shattered sense of trust.

Taking a Stand: Fighting Back

Refusing to be silenced, both Cecilia and Pernilla decided to take action against Simon Levy, aiming to prevent others from falling into his trap.

Cecilia recalls her determination to expose Simon despite the personal cost:

"[29:58] Cecilie Felhoy: I told Simon, 'This isn't fair. I'm going to continue doing this.'"

Pernilla emphasizes the importance of collaboration in combating fraud:

"[33:56] Pernilla Sjellom: We knew the only way to stop him was for people to know about him."

Their relentless efforts led to media coverage and increased awareness, ultimately contributing to Simon's arrest, though it fell short of delivering true justice.

Systemic Failures and the Quest for Justice

A significant portion of the discussion addresses the shortcomings of financial institutions and law enforcement in handling such sophisticated frauds.

Cecilia expresses frustration over the lack of support:

"[41:20] Cecilia Felhoy: Justice was not served. Simon was released just a few months later."

Pernilla critiques the systemic failures that allowed Simon to evade comprehensive justice:

"[44:01] Pernilla Sjellom: Simon has active cases in Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Spain. It's insanity that he was let go."

Their experiences underscore the need for systemic reforms to better protect and support victims of complex financial scams.

Advocacy and Moving Forward

In the wake of their trauma, both women channel their experiences into advocacy, striving to educate and support others.

Pernilla discusses her entrepreneurial efforts to prevent identity fraud:

"[45:39] Pernilla Sjellom: I created my own identity verification company, idfy, to help people check someone's identity peer-to-peer."

Cecilia highlights her nonprofit work aimed at supporting romance fraud victims:

"[47:26] Cecilia Felhoy: I co-founded a nonprofit for romance fraud victims, working with police and financial institutions to conduct workshops."

Their initiatives aim to provide resources, raise awareness, and foster a supportive community for those affected by similar scams.

Reflections on Healing and Closure

While both women have made significant strides in their healing journeys, the scars of their experiences linger.

Cecilia acknowledges the ongoing challenges:

"[53:52] Cecilia Felhoy: Sometimes talking about it is draining, but knowing we can help others makes it worth it."

Pernilla shares her sense of fulfillment from helping others and building a new life:

"[54:42] Pernilla Sjellom: I feel great and have moved on by focusing on my company and family."

Their shared resilience serves as a testament to the human spirit's capacity to overcome even the most devastating ordeals.

Conclusion

Cecilia Felhoy and Pernilla Sjellom's stories not only highlight the intricate methods employed by fraudsters like Simon Levy but also illuminate the profound personal and systemic challenges faced by victims. Through their unwavering determination to seek justice and advocate for change, they transform their pain into a powerful force for good. This episode serves as a stark reminder that scams can masquerade as genuine connections, and vigilance, coupled with systemic support, is essential in combating such deceit.

"[62:11] Nicole Lapin: What happened to you both wasn't just about stolen money. It was about stolen trust, stolen identity, and stolen peace... Your story is such a reminder that scams don't always have to look like a shady phone call or a fake investment. Sometimes, they can look like love."

Key Takeaways

• Psychological Manipulation: Fraudsters often use love bombing and extravagant gestures to build trust rapidly.
• Systemic Failures: Financial institutions and law enforcement may lack the tools and awareness to effectively combat sophisticated scams.
• Emotional Impact: Victims may experience severe psychological distress, including suicidal thoughts and feelings of shame.
• Advocacy and Support: Sharing stories and building supportive communities can aid in healing and preventing future scams.
• Need for Reform: There's an urgent need for systemic changes to better protect victims and hold fraudsters accountable.

Notable Quotes:

• "[04:02] Cecilia Felhoy: I think it was proper love bombing at the start, you know, extravagant gifts and talking about the future very early on."

• "[24:56] Pernilla Sjellom: I was suicidal. I was so bad."

• "[41:20] Cecilia Felhoy: Justice was not served. Simon was released just a few months later."

• "[45:39] Pernilla Sjellom: I created my own identity verification company, idfy, to help people check someone's identity peer-to-peer."

• "[62:11] Nicole Lapin: Your story is such a reminder that scams don't always have to look like a shady phone call or a fake investment. Sometimes, they can look like love."

This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and emotional journey shared by Cecilia and Pernilla, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of their experiences and the broader implications of financial scams.