Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Fugitive Fraudster Targets Elderly Women in £400K Scam

2/20/2026

28 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

South Yorkshire Police are searching for John Eric Wells, a fugitive fraudster believed to have conned three elderly women out of £400,000 in romance scams.
The frauds began in September 2014, with victims located across the United Kingdom.
Wells has previously served time for a lottery scam and is believed to be living abroad.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact South Yorkshire Police.

1 of 1

Story summary

South Yorkshire Police are searching for John Eric Wells, a fugitive fraudster believed to have conned three elderly women out of £400,000 in romance scams.
The frauds began in September 2014, with victims located across the United Kingdom.
Wells has previously served time for a lottery scam and is believed to be living abroad.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact South Yorkshire Police.