Money or love? For years, Dennis W. (name changed) wreaked havoc in Cologne's nightlife. He shamelessly approached men and first gained their trust—and then their money. Singer Matthias Rödder was among his victims. In the three-part Sky Original documentary series “Love Scam – The Story of an Incredible Fraud” Rödder now speaks in detail for the first time on camera about how Dennis W. used a false identity to swindle his love, his closeness to his family, and thousands of euros. Other victims also have their say in the exciting documentary series. Thanks to Rödder's efforts, the love con artist, who even fooled real courts for years as a fake lawyer, was finally brought to court as a real defendant. The three parts of "Love Scam - The Story of an Incredible Fraud" can be seen on Sky Crime from June 5th and are available on Sky and the streaming service WOW.

About “Love Scam – The Story of an Incredible Fraud”:

Matthias meets a successful and charismatic lawyer who is about to be appointed to the European Court of Justice. A heated flirtation develops into a committed relationship based on love and trust. Or so it seems. When signs mount that his dream man is leading a double life as a fraud, Matthias sticks with him despite warnings from friends and family. Until he realizes that he is at the center of a web of lies that his partner has built through emotional manipulation and financial exploitation. Matthias meets other victims and looks into the human abyss of his supposedly closest confidant. He decides to bring the fake lawyer to court. 

For the first time, actor and singer Matthias Rödder speaks openly and in detail about the case in front of the camera in the Sky Original documentary series "Love Scam - The Story of an Unbelievable Fraud." He explains how the fraudster Dennis W. entered his life and how he was unable to escape his influence for four years - despite numerous clues to his foul play. Matthias' closest friends and family, who became aware of irregularities in Dennis's life earlier with some distance, also talk about their experiences with the fraudster. This reveals a web of lies and intrigue that Dennis was able to maintain for a long time with his charming demeanor and criminal cunning. Other victims, some of whom were scammed by Dennis at the same time as Matthias, are also speaking for the first time about their experiences with the con artist, who even went in and out of real courts as a fake lawyer, putting on a deceptively real show with his robes and big words.

Only through the fearless efforts of Matthias Rödder, who ultimately established direct contact with courts and other victims, secured evidence, and handed it over to the police, was Dennis W. finally brought to justice. "Love Scam – The Story of an Incredible Fraud" meticulously documents his discovery and also examines the effects of the emotional torture on the victims to this day.

Alexander Friedrich, Executive Producer Sky Deutschland: "We are delighted to present 'Love Scam – The Story of an Incredible Fraud,' a new, extraordinary Sky Original documentary series. Our gripping narrative reveals not only the depths of the perpetrator's human nature, but also the incredible strength of the victims who fight back against manipulation and exploitation by a calculating con artist. A must-see for anyone who wants to learn the truth behind one of the most unusual fraud cases of our time."

Nils Bökamp, author, director and executive producer of The Thursday Company: "I first read about this case in a newspaper and quickly wondered how anyone could have missed something like that. This starting point fascinated us and was the driving force behind our research. The deeper we delved into Dennis W.'s story and past, the more we realized that anyone could fall for someone like that. In the end, justice prevailed through Matthias' strength. People were abused. No one else should be ashamed of this except the perpetrator himself. What remains of his appearance? He is alone, he was convicted and he was never himself. A modern story that will touch everyone."

Facts:"Love Scam – The Story of an Incredible Fraud" – Sky Original documentary series, 3 episodes, approximately 35 minutes each, Germany 2025; Directed and written by Nils Bökamp, ​​produced by The Thursday Company on behalf of Sky Deutschland; Producer: Nils Bökamp; Executive Producer: Alexander Friedrich for Sky Deutschland and Vesna Cudic for Sky Studios

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“Love Scam – The Story of an Incredible Fraud” will be available from June 5th on Sky and the streaming service WOW and will start on Sky Crime on the same day at 21.00 p.m.