This isn't the first story of its kind. And it definitely won't be the last, unfortunately. Still, it's one of the more extreme stories of its kind. It's almost incredible that someone would even dream up the elaborate scams that he's accused of, let alone go through with them. But it just goes to show that there really are some totally ruthless people out there. Also, if you want to believe something, then it's not very difficult for someone to make you do so - then take advantage of it.
From the manipulation tactics described in this article - and if he's guilty of what he's accused of - he seems to have very good insights into female psychology. Which is why it's so disturbing and sad that he's allegedly been using them in such a callous way. One can only wonder at what sort of issues are driving this behaviour.
In any case it's yet another reason for women to be careful when meeting men outside of their social circle. If a woman hasn't known someone for a while, and through other contacts, it's difficult to tell what kind of hidden agendas he might have. (It's even difficult to know after years of living with someone in some cases!) That's why women in particular should be cautious and skeptical, remembering that if something sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is!