Iris Jones, the 83-year-old grandmother who gained fame for marrying 37-year-old Mohamed Ibriham, has issued a warning to online daters following their split last summer.
Meeting through Facebook, Jones married Ibriham in 2020 when she was 80 and he was 34. Their unconventional relationship made headlines, especially after Jones’s candid interview on This Morning in 2021. Despite their initial happiness, the couple’s relationship faced difficulties, leading to frequent arguments and their eventual separation.
Following the breakup, Jones adopted a cat named Mr. Tibbs, whom she described as the “perfect companion.” Recently, she has become a target for online scammers, prompting her to issue a cautionary message to vulnerable women engaged in online dating.
In a Facebook post, Jones warned: “A warning to all vulnerable women online, chatting to scammers and con-artists, thinking they are messaging genuine males on legitimate dating sites. Be aware that they are only interested in getting their filthy paws on your money and will sweet-talk you for weeks, or even months to achieve their goals.”
Over the past few months, Jones claims to have encountered four scammers, earning herself the title of a “competent scam hunter.” One particularly deceitful individual attempted to con her out of thousands of pounds. Jones expressed satisfaction in exposing these scammers, stating: “You picked the wrong woman this time, because I make it my business to expose scammers such as you. I have really enjoyed being the puppet master, having you dance to my tune.”
Following her split from Ibriham, Jones has openly criticized him, calling him a “lying toe-rag” and a “sewer rat.” She alleged that Ibriham took £25,000 when he moved to the UK, along with an additional £14,000 she sent to Egypt before their marriage. Ibriham, in an interview with MailOnline, refuted these claims, stating that he never cared about money and had worked in well-paying jobs across the Middle East. He maintained that he would have married a rich woman if he were seeking financial gain.
This cautionary tale highlights the importance of being vigilant against online scams, no matter one’s age. As Jones’s experience shows, scammers can target anyone, and it’s crucial to remain alert and protect oneself from potential deceit.
For those navigating the world of online dating, Jones’s story serves as a powerful reminder to be cautious and stay informed about the risks involved.
