A man who dreams of becoming a writer was overjoyed when he was contacted by an agent saying they had offers that would see his work in print – until it lost him his life savings worth almost £13,000. Dave Gregson, from West Yorkshire, is unable to work because he is the primary carer for his elderly parents.

So in his free time, he writes short stories and children’s books, some of which have been published online. When a literary agent contacted him he was over the moon.

He had a phone call from a man introducing himself as ‘Bruce’ at a company called ‘Great Writers Media’. ‘Bruce’ told him his colleagues loved his books, a children’s fairytale, and a set of short stories, some of which he’d been told by his father, and sent over contracts for him to sign. Bruce also told him that the books had been approved by the company’s editorial board and recommended for publishing on multiple outlets.

Dave said: “I have enjoyed writing for many years, and growing up I always had a vivid imagination.”As weeks went on, Dave received emails from Great Writers Media, explaining that his books were selling well but that he needed to contribute towards the costs of book fairs, marketing, and editing.

He was told that his book had been accepted for a film script and radio interview, and that it would be a good investment for his future.For two years, Dave kept making the contributions, giving the scammers his life savings in increments, a total of £12,674. But as he kept making payments through debit and credit transfer, diligently keeping his receipts, he received nothing in return, Dave became suspicious and stopped paying.

After multiple phone calls and online investigations, he realised he’d been scammed and that the accounts he had been paying belonged to sham companies.”It emerged that the literary agent was a fake – and I had fallen victim to a scam which had been around since Covid. The scammers used fake identities, contact details and contracts. I felt devastated and full of shame and guilt. It was a sickening and saddening feeling, like for other victims of scams, knowing that the money which I cannot afford to lose has gone to fund criminality when it should be here for me to care for and spend on those I look after.”Such criminals are especially dangerous to all and everyone and especially the most vulnerable in our community and society.

This is because they disguise themselves as friends, or “trusted sources”, just like predators or grooming they exploit others for their own benefit, with disregard for their victims or the devastation that they leave behind.”Dave has spent two years trying to get his money back or receive compensation.

He obtained £2,000 from his bank but has been unable to make back the remaining amount. He adds: “Scammers like this are particularly skilled at deceit and manipulation, which makes them especially dangerous, to all in society with an especially high risk to the most vulnerable in society

“I hope by sharing this story it will help others too, people who through no fault of their own and victims of crime should not have to pay the cost themselves.”