Alleged love rat arrested as more women come forward

An alleged fraudster who left hearts broken around the country for the last seven years has been arrested.

Benjamin Nelson was arrested in Cairns on Saturday, following a string of warrants out for his arrest.

He appeared in Cairns Magistrates Court, where he was granted bail.

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When approached by A Current Affair, Mr Nelson said he was sorry from the bottom of his heart and blamed his actions on drugs.

"I was a drug addict, that was my problem and that's my issue," Mr Nelson said.

"I'm happy that I'm getting a second chance at life but I'm not happy with the outcome of hurting people.

"I'm facing it all and I'm facing it on camera now, but I do apologise to my family especially my mum. I do miss you and I do love you very much."

Mr Nelson was charged with five counts of fraud, two counts for dishonestly causing detriment, two counts for dishonestly gaining benefit and one count for dishonestly obtaining property from another.

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The arrests come after A Current Affair revealed Mr Nelson's path of devastation last month.

Mr Nelson allegedly told young women across Australia that he was dying of a range of cancers, convincing them to pay for his food clothing and accommodation.

"I was taking him down to appointments waiting out in the car, he'd walk into the hospital, he'd come out. It just seemed like he was a victim of cancer," Maddie said.

"Not only was it the phone bill I had to deal with, it was $6000 out of my savings account," ex-girlfriend Samantha said.

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"He had absolutely nothing but the clothes on his back, so I bought him a whole new wardrobe, from shoes to underwear, socks," Another ex-girlfriend, Taleisha said.

The ex-girlfriends named and shamed Mr Nelson in the hopes it would put an end to his run of devastation.

"I'd hate for anyone else to feel the way I am and if it means getting on national TV and raising awareness this way for it not to happen to anyone, then I'll do it," Maddie said.

"He needs to be accountable. Accountable for what he's doing," Maddie's father Dave said.

A Current Affair was then contacted by more than a dozen women around the country who allege they were also defrauded by Mr Nelson.

Frederike Plibel claims she lent Mr Nelson money after he befriended her on a bus from Townsville to Cairns last Monday.

"In total it's $500 because I gave him I think $450 in cash then I also bought him a t-shirt and soap," she said.

Ms Plibel said it was after she handed over the money that she became suspicious.

"I just googled his name because I was suspicious and then first of all I was really scared and angry, and I felt really helpless because I didn't know what to do."

A Current Affair understands that Mr Nelson also has other cases to answer for in his home state of Victoria, but it's not yet clear whether Victorian Police will extradite him.

Benjamin Nelson will return to Cairns Magistrates Court on November 30.