Catfished long-term with no clue

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my Journey

I was Catfished for a long time. After recovering from depression & suicidal ideation I have decided that the best way for me to fight back against such an injustice would be to spread hope and support. With those guiding principles, I have started a website aimed at aiding those who suspect – or recently learned – they are a Catfish victim. It’s embarrassing when it happens to you because it’s something most of us might be ashamed to share. This is exactly why I felt compelled to start it. The only person I wanted to speak to after learning what had happened to me was someone who was once in my shoes – someone who knew what it was like to be played, burned and betrayed. I am grateful to now be able to provide that light and connection to anyone who feels like they are alone in their struggle. I am a survivor and you will be too. 

I met my Catfish on Tinder when I was living in Los Angeles. Her name was Hayley and her profile said she was moving to California to attend Stanford. It took us a few calls to warm up to one another but after that we really clicked. Overtime our calls grew in length and many jokes were made, memes exchanged, and personal stories told. We really enjoyed each other’s company, but she always had an excuse as to why she couldn’t FaceTime. The explanations she gave were elaborate and seemed reasonable. Knowing she lived just outside of Pittsburgh, when I flew home to New Jersey for Thanksgiving I wanted to see her. Unfortunately, she told me she was taking a trip to Florida that week with her mom to handle a family matter. Christmas came and she previously agreed we could see each during that time. I made plans to visit her and then she dumped me. This led to heartbreak, disbelief and a number of chilling discoveries. Read my story in detail here.

 

Short summary

  • Met on Tinder

  • Family members raised concerns when I talked about her not FaceTiming

  • I moved from LA up to Silicon Valley as she was planning on attending Stanford

  • Shortly after moving I learned she would not be attending Stanford

  • I wanted to visit her in Pennsylvania when I was home in New Jersey with family

  • Once I told her I cleared my schedule and made plans to see her in person she broke up with me