Fraudulent criminal acts cost the people that are affected by them dearly. If you see this man please contact your local police authority quickly as he is a wanted man!

Who is he and what did he do?

When I used to think about the men that would con women out of money and break their hearts, I imagined that they would be dashing, Soave and sophisticated. Being with them would make you the envy of other women, I thought that they would be real head turners and smooth operator's. However the more stories I have read and news features I have seen, it seems that they are rarely any of these thing's. The average con man is not young or particularly attractive and are actually rather ordinary people. Thinking back to my pre-conceived ideas, I couldn't have been more wrong.

Take for example Mr John Bond, you may not have heard of him or recognise his face but he is one of Devon's most wanted men.  Featured on crime-stoppers and crime-watch yet oddly he is easily forgettable. There are a total of 5 police forces across England currently searching for this man. He has gained himself the rather un-envious reputation as a notorious fraudster. Having been on the run for 7 years, a rather slippery character proving himself to be increasingly difficult to catch. The police have recently re appealed for any information about the 53 year olds whereabouts, movement or activities. Any leads they may have had have unfortunately been of little or no use.

He was arrested back in 2002 for burglary, however absconded from Highdown prison in Surry. He may have returned to Exeter in Devon where his partner lives and is also familiar with the area of Honiton. However there is also speculation that he could be as far away as Spain, France or Gibraltar as it is believed he has connections in these particular parts of the world. He was last seen back in march 2007 but incredibly eluded police again and prevented another arrest by running off into the near by countryside of Newton poppleford!

This silver tongued gentleman has charmed many women out of thousands of pounds, he has claimed to be a former boyfriend of ex countdown maths supremo and pride of britain awards presenter Carol vordeman. His other alleged celebrity associations include after you've gone and only fools and horses star Nicholas Lydhurst, who is apparently an old friend of his. He has masqueraded as a pilot, film producer and scientist in a bid to impress and win over women's affections. He has operated under the names Dr Pallister and Dr Lewis, appears well dressed and really works the charm offencive.

Most of his crimes were committed in the east of Devon, however he is unable to claim any kind of benefits due to his wanted status, is unlikely to have found work and is probably still doing what he does best, obtaining money fraudulently from unsuspecting women. If you do come across this individual and he showers you with compliment's, be awear it's his way of getting to your wallet.

How do you spot a con man?

The typical con man uses illusion, image and perception to mask his true identity. Although some of these men are blessed with physically pleasing attributes, many are not and so have other ploys to attract attention. Like Mr Bond they dress well, spend a significant amount of their time and pay particular attention to their appearance. They more often then not claim to own or drive an expensive car, as well as boast impressive business or celebrity connections, dealings with royalty and wealthy aristocracy.

They deal in charm and lies. They will promise you the world and yet deliver nothing. They will have an excuse for everything and If you have caught them out with a lie before, chances are it's just one of many. If something seems just a bit to good to be true, then it probably is. Listen to your instincts, if something doesn't quite feel right don't discard your fears, question them. Remember you can always ask, if he can't produce any solid evidence to prove any of his claims, he's a phony.

Too much, too soon. If he is stepping up the pace of your relationship rather quickly, chances are he testing boundaries and setting out to scam you. Elaborate romantic gestures, proclaiming undying love, talking marriage and babies in the very early stages of your relationship are all a sign he's trying to convince you he is it for the long haul, when the truth is he's planning the great escape with your cash.

Last but not least ask yourself what you really know about him. If you have never met, seen or spoken to his parent's, siblings or any other relations of his, why not? Have you ever been to his home? Does he ever stay the whole night at your place or does he conveniently have to get away? Have you ever spent the night at his home? Has he already started to ask for money? Does he have some great venture that is guaranteed to make you al ot of money, yet it requires a rather large investment from you? If any of these things sound familiar then I am guessing alarm bells are ringing.

If you think you are or have been the victim of a fraudster, you are by no means the first, last or only one. These average looking fraudsters have a plethora of devious devises and tried and tested means to deceive. What's even sadder then this, is that the majority of women left in debt and crestfallen, don't report these men and their crimes, as they feel foolish and ashamed. However they really needn't feel that way, these cold hearted men know exactly what they are doing and prey on kind hearted and trusting women. The persona they adopt is one of a likable, friendly, approachable and trustworthy individual. Emotions are also easily manipulated, they play on this to their own ends and advantage too. To ensure other women don't suffer the same pain, heartache and dent in there bank balance's, it's vital John Bond and other men like him are caught and punished for their crimes. Taking action against criminals is the only way to truly influence crime.