A Belgian man, believing he was in a relationship with a French beauty queen, was scammed out of €30,000 and met her husband instead.

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A Belgian man recently fell victim to online romance fraud, traveling 760km (472 miles) to meet a woman he believed was his future wife. On July 9, 2025, Michel, 76, discovered the harsh reality when he arrived at the home of French beauty queen Sophie Vouzelaud, only to be greeted by her husband.

6 Key Takeaways Belgian man scammed in online romance fraud

Paid €30,000 believing in a relationship

Encountered model’s husband in France

Signs of romance fraud to watch for

Advice on protecting against romance scams

Support for victims of scams is crucial

Having communicated with who he thought was Vouzelaud for weeks, Michel had sent €30,000 ($35,000) to the scammers. His story highlights the growing issue of romance fraud, which affects many across the globe.

Fast Answer: Romance fraud is a serious global issue, as shown by a Belgian man’s €30,000 loss while seeking love online.

This incident raises important questions about online safety. How can individuals protect themselves from similar scams? Awareness and vigilance are key in today’s digital landscape.

Be cautious of requests for money from online partners.

Consult friends or family for advice on suspicious relationships.

Verify profile photos through reverse image searches.

Romance scams are on the rise worldwide, affecting individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

As online interactions become more common, it’s vital to educate ourselves about romance fraud. Stay informed and protect your heart and wallet.

ID card scheme for French day-trippers to continue

4 June 2025 Share Save Ammar Ebrahim Political Reporter, BBC Jersey Share Save

BBC Deputy Sir Philip Bailhache brought forward the ID scheme proposition

Politicians have voted unanimously to continue a scheme which allows French day-trippers to visit Jersey using ID cards, rather than passports. The ID card scheme was introduced in 2023 when the number of day trip visitors dropped after Brexit because rules meant visitors needed passports. Despite the scheme being in place for two years, there has been uncertainty about its future due the UK introducing electronic travel authorisation for visitors. Deputy Sir Philip Bailhache, who brought forward the proposition, said “many French citizens do not possess a passport and rely upon their identity cards”.

Mr Bailhache has welcomed the States decision to continue the scheme. He said: “I’m delighted that the assembly has agreed that the home affairs ministers should consider the concession in force and it will be of great assistance to our tourism industry.” He added the decision was important because French day trippers had given a boost to the tourist economy. “The estimate is that French day-trippers spend about £4.5m a year in Jersey, so this is clearly good for our restaurants and shop keepers,” he added.

Deputy Mary Le Hegarat said counterparts in the UK were not supportive of the scheme continuing

Home affairs minister deputy Mary Le Hegarat said she supported the proposition but warned counterparts in the UK were not supportive of the scheme continuing. “We have had a letter which basically says they are not supportive of it, but for us it is about balance,” she said. Ms Le Hegarat added: “We will be speaking to the UK again about the matter in person, I will go with the external relations minister so we can have those discussions about Jersey’s economy and our tourist industry and how we move forward, because it is important we do that. “It’s critical for us to manage our economy and I’m hoping that the UK can see the evidence from the years we have been running this that it works well and it’s not a risk to the borders and safety.” In her ministerial comments on the proposition the minister said if the UK had concerns about the scheme which Jersey was unable to mitigate, it could lead “in a worst case scenario, which is considered unlikely, in the implementation of a hard border between the UK and Jersey.” The BBC has approached the UK Government for comment.

Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.

Romance scam victim travels 700km ‘to marry French beauty queen’

4 hours ago Share Save Paulin Kola BBC News Share Save

Foc Kan/WireImage via Getty Images Sophie Vouzelaud was first runner-up to Miss France in 2007

A Belgian man has travelled 760km (472 miles) to meet a French beauty queen he had been led to believe would be his future wife, only to realise he had been a victim of online romance fraud. Michel, 76, turned up at the home of Sophie Vouzelaud in France but was met by the model’s husband. He told Ms Vouzelaud’s husband, Fabien, he had paid €30,000 ($35,000) to the scammers and thought he had been in a romantic relationship for several weeks. “I am an imbecile,” the man said to the couple as he contemplated taking the long journey back.

Michel’s misadventure became known after a video of his unfortunate encounter with the couple was shared online by Fabien. For weeks, the Belgian – a widower of four years – had been communicating on WhatsApp with who he thought was Ms Vouzelaud, former Miss Limousin and first runner-up to Miss France in 2007. He turned up outside the couple’s property in Saint-Julien, some 420km (270 miles) south of Paris, on 9 July and according to Fabien said: “I am the future husband of Sophie Vouzelaud”, to which he retorted: “Well, I’m the current one.” Ms Vouzelaud, 38, then tried to explain to him that he had been swindled and the couple urged him to go to the police to file a complaint. It is not clear if he has done so. Romance fraud is when someone is conned into sending money to a criminal who convinces them they are in a genuine relationship.

How to avoid romance scams