In Charente-Maritime, a man known as the 'scammer backpacker' has been arrested after a lengthy period of evasion following his conviction in 2023 for multiple scams. This con artist was notorious for targeting mainly women, luring them under the pretense of performing small jobs in their homes. The police reported that he had been roaming the area and exploiting his victims for years, leading to a substantial number of complaints against him.

His arrest was the result of a coordinated effort by local gendarmerie after he was located in Jonzac. The investigation highlighted a disturbing pattern of behavior where he posed as a trustworthy worker, gaining the confidence of his victims before stealing from them. Victims had created a Facebook group to share their experiences, warning others about him, and publishing dozens of photos to help identify him, exemplifying the community's proactive stance against his fraudulent activities.

The apprehension of this individual is significant not only for the justice served to the victims who felt vulnerable but also serves as a broader warning about the dangers of online advertisements and trusting strangers. With the rise of gig economy practices, where individuals can be hired for short-term, informal work, scams of this nature may become increasingly common, highlighting the importance of community awareness and vigilance in preventing such crimes.