Police hunt John Eric Wells for romance frauds
South Yorkshire Police are actively searching for John Eric Wells, also known as Howard Walmsley and Howard Hemmings, as of March 25, 2026, in connection with at least three romance frauds totaling over £400,000 across the UK. Wells, who has been on the run for nearly seven years since the initial police appeal in September 2019, is feared to have fled the UK and may be continuing his alleged defrauding of victims. One victim, Hazel Wilkins, detailed how Wells took out loans in her name after they met online in 2014. Wells was previously sentenced to three years in prison in 2001 for faking an £8.9 million lottery win, an event later adapted into the film 'Can't Buy Me Love'.
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March 2026 — 1 developments
South Yorkshire Police are searching for John Eric Wells, also known as Howard Walmsley and Howard Hemmings, in connection with at least three romance frauds totaling over £400,000.
South Yorkshire Police are searching for John Eric Wells, also known as Howard Walmsley and Howard Hemmings, in connection with at least three romance frauds totaling over £400,000. Authorities fear Wells may have fled the UK and could be continuing his alleged defrauding of victims across the country. One victim, Hazel Wilkins, detailed how Wells took out loans in her name after they met online in 2014.
February 2026 — 1 developments
A news report stated that police were still hunting for John Eric Wells, who had been on the run for nearly seven years.
A news report stated that police were still hunting for John Eric Wells, who had been on the run for nearly seven years. South Yorkshire Police confirmed that officers were still appealing for information regarding his whereabouts. The article highlighted his resemblance to EastEnders character Ian Beale and the alleged £400,000 swindled from his victims.
February 2024 — 1 developments
An article reported that John Eric Wells had been on the run for over four years since the initial police appeal in September 2019.
An article reported that John Eric Wells had been on the run for over four years since the initial police appeal in September 2019. The report reiterated that he was wanted for three romance frauds and that police were still seeking information on his whereabouts.
October 2019 — 1 developments
Victim Hazel Wilkins appeared on the TV show 'This Morning' to share her story of being defrauded by Wells.
Victim Hazel Wilkins appeared on the TV show 'This Morning' to share her story of being defrauded by Wells. She detailed how he took out loans in her name before disappearing, leaving her with significant debt. The show highlighted the international manhunt for Wells, who was dubbed the 'Casanova Conman'.
September 2019 — 1 developments
South Yorkshire Police first issued an appeal for information regarding John Eric Wells, who was wanted in connection with three high-value romance frauds totaling over £400,000.
South Yorkshire Police first issued an appeal for information regarding John Eric Wells, who was wanted in connection with three high-value romance frauds totaling over £400,000. At this time, Wells had been on the run for approximately four years.
September 2014 — 1 developments
Wells began defrauding victims through romance scams, with offences reported from September 2014 onwards.
Wells began defrauding victims through romance scams, with offences reported from September 2014 onwards. He targeted victims across the UK, including in Doncaster, Sussex, and London. One victim, Hazel Wilkins, met Wells online and he began asking her for money shortly after they became a couple in 2014.
January 2001 — 1 developments
John Eric Wells was sentenced to three years in prison for faking a lottery win of £8.
John Eric Wells was sentenced to three years in prison for faking a lottery win of £8.9 million. He claimed the scam was an attempt to save his marriage and had defrauded banks, a lawyer, an architect, a car company, and two friends out of £53,000. The judge described him as living in a 'fantasy world'. This incident was later adapted into the film 'Can't Buy Me Love'.