Police Prevent Home Sale in Jay Harrington Romance Scam

A woman in Cambridge was prevented from selling her home after police and an estate agent discovered she was the victim of a romance scam involving the identity of actor Jay Harrington.

The victim had intended to sell her property to relocate to the United States to marry Harrington, who is known for his role in the television series S.W.A.T.

Cambridgeshire Police were alerted to the situation on March 11, 2026, by the estate agent. The agent raised concerns that the woman could lose everything if she proceeded with the transfer of funds from the home sale.

Investigations conducted by cyber and fraud prevention officers revealed that the woman had already transferred approximately £150,000 to various addresses in the United Kingdom and the United States. These payments had been made over a period of several years.

The online fraudster had orchestrated a fictional narrative that led the woman to purchase a wedding dress in preparation for the fake ceremony.

Following the discovery, Cambridgeshire Police implemented safeguarding measures to protect the woman and prevent further financial loss.

The police force used the incident to issue a broader warning regarding the nature of romance scams, which often target vulnerable individuals.

According to the force, criminals utilize lies to establish trust and build relationships, making the romance appear normal while attempting to obtain personal information or money.

Sadly, romance scams are an all too common occurrence, with scammers targeting the most vulnerable in society.

Cambridgeshire Police

The police advised the public to inform friends or family members if they become suspicious of someone they are communicating with online and warned against transferring money to unknown parties.