Claudia Harris, a 29-year-old fashion PR from Harpenden, Hertfordshire, experienced a financial setback after a first date in Spain went awry. The incident unfolded last summer when Harris, who had discussed travel plans with a man she met on the dating app Hinge, paid £800 for a hotel in Malaga. Initially hitting it off online, Harris and her date, identified as James, agreed to split the hotel cost.
Upon arrival, Harris paid the full amount expecting James to reimburse her. However, once James arrived the next day, the dynamic changed, and the anticipated chemistry dissipated, leading to awkward interactions. Despite their efforts to enjoy the trip, including getting tattoos, the situation grew tense as James reported issues with his bank and promised to pay his share later.
James ghosted Harris shortly after the trip, ignoring her repeated attempts to recover the £400 he owed. The situation worsened when Harris was involved in a car accident that temporarily halted her work, making the financial loss more impactful. She described the experience as a "really low moment."
Harris reported James' profile to Hinge, prompting the app to ban him. Hinge advises users to report potential harm through their in-app resources for investigation and action.