Gambler Admits to Scamming Women Via Online Dating

An Atlantic City gambler admitted scamming more than 80 women through telephone and online dating services.

Patrick M. Giblin, 41, pleaded guilty to 10 counts of wire fraud in U.S. District Court in Camden.

According to the indictment, Giblin created numerous accounts with online dating services in different parts of the country, allowing him to correspond with women in those areas.

In a court appearance before Judge Robert B. Kugler, Giblin admitted he falsely told the women he was interested in beginning a romantic relationship, telling them he was about to relocate to their geographic area.

Giblin then said he needed money for travel expenses, and promised to repay the loans as soon as he got there.
He admitted spending the money at casinos in Atlantic City and Las Vegas, as well as for personal expenses.

The amount of money he obtained from the women was not immediately available. Giblin has remained in federal custody without bail since his arrest on March 3, 2005.

Each wire fraud count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.