The dating app conman who stole millions and the victim pushing for change

from 7am · host Solstice Media

Last year, Tracy Hall was sent a dating profile that sent chills down her spine. The name on the profile was different, but the image was that of notorious conman Hamish McLaren. He had been jailed for scamming 15 Australians out of $7.6 million – including Tracy, his girlfriend and final victim, whose life savings he stole after meeting her under a fake identity. Now, as McLaren prepares for release on parole this week, Tracy says the systems that allowed him into her life still haven’t been fixed. Today, Tracy Hall on the conman who stole her life savings, the growing romance scam industry costing Australians tens of millions of dollars a year, and whether dating apps are doing enough to protect the people using them.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Romance scam advocate and survivor Tracy Hall Photo: SuppliedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jul 6, 2026

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The dating app conman who stole millions and the victim pushing for change

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