The World's Most Complex Catfishing Scam | Investigators

Over sixty characters, thousands of messages and eight years of lies and exploitation - this could be one of the world’s most sophisticated catfishing scams.
At the centre of this story is radio host Kirat Assi who received a Facebook message in 2009 from a handsome cardiologist called Bobby. Kirat was slowly reeled into Bobby’s world and eventually duped into an intimate relationship with him. She was manipulated, coerced and tricked, she lost friends and her career.
When the scam fell apart in 2018, the catfisher was someone Kirat was not expecting. Alexi Mostrous and Claudia Williams from Tortoise Media ask why the police didn’t take the case seriously and was a crime actually committed?
If you think you may be in an abusive relationship, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit their website, thehotline.org. For the UK call The Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge on 0808 2000 247 for free at any time, day or night.
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[@VICENews]

WATCH NEXT: Exposing the Cult Leader Who Beats Her Captives - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJXCaKCbfNSsfdU

[@Eyesofapril77]

Thank you thank you Y thank you thank you tyt

[@alexluna420]

​@@Eyesofapril77😂😂

[@amyk.2500]

Her cousin needs to be put on a watch list. She’s terrifying

[@DopeyDetector]

She's hot

[@deeayeveeeyees]

definitely a psychopath to be able to carry this out for over a decade and then show no remorse or regret. I believe the only reason she ven confessed was because she knew the scam was up after kirat went to the guys house and learned the truth.

[@bbe3034]

If you know anyone looking for love online, please share KZbin channel- Catfished ! They post videos on Wednesdays! Its absolutely shocking how many scammers are online!!

[@rupertperiwinkle4477]

Whats her cousins name?

[@diosadeamore]

​@@rupertperiwinkle4477 cousin's name is Simran. Of course that's all we're given.

[@vAbAfilM]

Her cousin wasted 8 years of her time. She must be insane.

[@fc7307]

10+ years

[@metastract]

Yep. Insanely jealous of her perhaps. There is no rationality in jealousy and you don't need to be or have anything outstanding for some insecure lunatic to be jealous of you.

[@enaaddae312]

She had to have hate for her makes no sense

[@enaaddae312]

@@fc7307 crazy

[@aM-ly7wo]

That how these North indian sikhs are

[@gailscrypto1536]

worth updating this - In 2020, Kirat Assi successfully won a “substantial settlement” in a civil case against Simran Bhogal for “harassment, misuse of private information, and data protection breaches”, according to the Guardian. However, a criminal case has yet to be brought against Bhogal, as catfishing is not a criminal offence in the UK.

[@AlabamaPowell]

In the States it would be a federal crime to use mail or phone to commit fraud.

[@mateoneedham6807]

Thanks for the update. Crazy story. Leaves me scratching my head.

[@flowerjpotter1629]

You would think the cousin could be prosecuted for harassment.

[@marioben7]

@@AlabamaPowell is not fraud if there's no money involved (sadly)

[@thetribe2101]

A simple video call would have saved her 10 years.

[@rupertperiwinkle4477]

He wasnt allowed to, he was in Witness protection program 😂😂😂

[@outerpol]

Did you even watch the video?

[@rupertperiwinkle4477]

@@outerpol ya did you ?

[@jeanniepayne8769]

@@rupertperiwinkle4477 Pretty sure they were talking to the original person that made the comment..

[@rupertperiwinkle4477]

@@jeanniepayne8769 oh hahaha!

[@JLB0880]

I kept waiting for the money aspect to be introduced, like “Bobby” would start asking her to help with med bills…but no. REDACTED was doing this 100% to mess up her life? It’s pure evil.

[@TheJourneyMaster]

Right! Same for me. I was waiting for the "motive" to come out, but the cousin was trying to destroy Kirat emotionally. crazy.

[@HaxxBlaster]

Sociopath/psychopath. They like to use people as pawns and have no real regard for them at all. They just get what they want to get from them.

[@christianvillegas7316]

Right !! Same here

[@aaaaaaaaa8886]

Simran is likely in love with her cousin and "couldn't" come forward with it.

[@felicitybywater8012]

@@aaaaaaaaa8886 Could be. It's hard to say if it's that or just manipulation for the sake of manipulation.

[@robzei95]

So strange... catfished by your cousin pretending to be your boyfriend and multiple other people? Blows my mind how someone has the time and live a normal life like she seemingly had

[@editsofday189]

I think simran was jealous of her .i mean her sister was good looking , had two jobs and everything so she targeted her

[@Mechromey]

Someone like that is not living a normal life…

[@jo3dadunka]

Driven by hatred and wickedness

[@LyrixNChill]

Created a mental prison for her

[@ninamartin1084]

I wonder what her employers will make of it all.

[@Myopinion8591]

I feel so sorry for Kirat, her cousin is clearly sick and definitely needs investigating because there is a possibility she could do this again to some other unsuspecting person!

[@yuunaamera]

It’s never from people you hate It’s always from people you trust. This is world is so scary to live in

[@JakeAdkinsOfficial]

It's insane that she met the real Bobby early on, and the precise circumstances allowed it to keep going for years.

[@amhall1970]

Bobby at Brighton? The night she was with her friends??? How did she know it was him ????

[@sadezem991]

@@amhall1970 He had been a family friend for years before so she recognized him from pictures and stuff. It's crazy.

[@lindaroth6273]

So stupid. Turn off the computer and stop it

[@suzyq172]

No. He didn’t KNOW who she was! This was a chance to figure out something was off!

[@Drakeawake]

@@lindaroth6273 what?

[@Eryeahmaybe]

This is horrendous. She literally stole a decade from her. I hope she gets done for emotional abuse. It's really really brave to come on vice and tell her story

[@OrangesodaTR]

How exactly did she have a decade "stolen" from her? She freely chose to engage in this fantasy day after day after day. She isn't being brave, she's just pissed at her cousin and wants to out her for being a creepy weirdo.

[@justanotherguywithanopinion]

Nothing stolen she chose to ignore all the signs and commit to a relationship with someone never even seen a face. It’s kinda silly to be honest. Sad but silly

[@mariancounsellor]

Definitely not stolen from her but yes, time that she can’t get back.

[@issbelvillastella5063]

@@OrangesodaTR My cousin MIa started to get calls and cards,flowers,boxes of candies,chocolates from a "secret admirer", he souned PERFECT-they spoke for hours ONLY the phone, never in person-when she asked to reveal himself after a few months...it turned out it was the bf of her cousin Anne...the cousin WAS still with him when this was happening,Mia stopped talking to him him ,the cousin got really angry at Mia but in the end ,Anne is still with the 2 timing kastard...

[@Marcel_Audubon]

she gave it away, it wasn't stolen from her

[@disastrid]

I experienced something eerily similar, by my brother's girlfriend, from the ages of 16-19 (she was 22-26). When the truth was exposed my brother married her. I haven't spoken to either of them since. It's hard to explain what a terrible, evil, and cruel plot this is, and the width and breadth of the impacts. The other terrible thing is that there's nothing specifically illegal about it.

[@pigeoness22]

You did the right thing. People like that are pure evil and not normal and it is damaging to be around them.

[@DopeyDetector]

Completely fabricated story

[@yothiga]

Did you brother a part of the plan? I can’t imagine why he’s okay with that.

[@jeancurkendall572]

Her cousin sounds like a true blown narcissist

[@disastrid]

@@yothiga Oh he definitely was. They're both malignant narcissists.

[@brianthewhalecheckoutmyaco3486]

As someone who has been stalked and catfished by a family member I can understand how this woman feels. That kind of thing is seriously damaging and will give you trust issues for the rest of your life. People are so terrible. 🐳

[@meluk6991]

I swear if this went any longer I would've made a run to the store to get popcorn. Ten years?!?!?! There's absolutely no way in hell I'd be talking to someone online for 10 years without seeing them in person.

[@CharlieBarkinTheDog]

If your immediate family and your own sister were begging you to talk to some lonely guy in another country whose dying, i know many girls who would do that out of basic kindness. A few chats online doesnt seem like a big deal until youve been sucked into a scam by basically who a criminal who is in reality your sister.

[@meluk6991]

@@CharlieBarkinTheDog agreed but in the end, I would confront my own cousin about it. And since the police was rendered ineffective, perhaps a local news outlet would've been a better alternative. Expose her cousin and at the same time provide public caution.

[@krakmynutz]

@@CharlieBarkinTheDog *cousin

[@tanjastrau5925]

@@CharlieBarkinTheDog No one asked her to never-ever in all those years try to visit him instead of waiting for him to come. Or to research how witness protection programs actually work. Or to try talking to any of the other people who "confirmed" his stories in person. Meeting him or not. The abuse she took has nothing to do with meeting him in person. Neither has the fact that she did not question why SHE needed to be the one to be the nice girl for him. Even if her family actually asked for this, she should have drawn a line when being asked to be in a pity-relationship or to take verbal or emotional abuse.

[@paulgagnon911]

I have a friendship with a person I have not met. We have been there for each other through divorce, marriages grandchildren. Once in a while we speak of meeting in person never have though. We met on our elementary school web site. we were in the same grade but difference classrooms.

[@kr3016]

Catfishing should be added to identity theft crime and the victims aren’t just those who the identity is stolen - but those that they target.

[@akirebara]

Right? I wish this could be constituted as Fraud, then you can sue for financial and emotional damage. Coz right now, I don’t know if she has any way of suing her. The UK laws don’t have anything that can support this, I think

[@marie_84]

Then MTV's Catfishing has endlessly lawsuits coming up...😏😏😅

[@hoomancatslave1738]

I think there would need to be some pretty clear guidelines on what constitutes cat fishing cuz some people might think using makeup to dramatically change your look is a catfish

[@swaggery]

No identity was stolen. This is more of mimicking a personality.

[@gabrielladiaz6933]

That’s true I read a case where someone used a models photo and fucked with a dude mentally he got so upset that he found the real woman in the photo and killed her! Poor soul had no idea she was involved in that mess! Same thing happened in a case call tall hot blonde look it up it’s so fucked up

[@francescapirandello6590]

You need to listen to the entirety of all the episodes of the podcast. It’s mind-blowing. They had intimate phone calls during those 10 years. The families on both sides are humiliated in their community. The victims are widespread.

[@Yayayyyayayaa]

There 1000% needs to be new laws in place for crimes like these,I couldn’t imagine the emotional toll it has had on her and this one interaction with “bobby” has now completely altered her life. If that isn’t considered a crime and her cousin isn’t held accountable then I don’t know what is

[@cathmorgan6359]

Absolutely, just like stalking

[@diablo666541]

Not a crime unless thy trying get your bank account or personal information if I recall .all out bullshit

[@loralieisa]

@@diablo666541 It is a crime because of the deliberate emotional distress that was perpetrated. There are civil remedies.

[@allisonjames2923]

The motive is an attention-seeking mental illness. So even though she wasn’t making money off it, she was getting a natural high from endorphins from every interaction & bit of sympathy, as well as knowing she was lying & getting away with it. I suspect Simran has a weird modern presentation of Munchausen by Proxy (now called Factitious Disorder - see below)? Criminally, it has to at the very least be harassment or fraud of some type. What a horrendous thing to do to her poor cousin. “Factitious disorder symptoms involve mimicking or producing illness or injury or exaggerating symptoms or impairment to deceive others. People with the disorder go to great lengths to hide their deception, so it may be difficult to realize that their symptoms are actually part of a serious mental health disorder. They continue with the deception, even without receiving any visible benefit or reward or when faced with objective evidence that doesn't support their claims. Factitious disorder signs and symptoms may include: Clever and convincing medical or psychological problems Extensive knowledge of medical terms and diseases Vague or inconsistent symptoms Conditions that get worse for no apparent reason Conditions that don't respond as expected to standard therapies Seeking treatment from many different doctors or hospitals, which may include using a fake name Reluctance to allow doctors to talk to family or friends or to other health care professionals Frequent stays in the hospital Eagerness to have frequent testing or risky operations Many surgical scars or evidence of numerous procedures Having few visitors when hospitalized Arguing with doctors and staff Factious disorder imposed on another Factitious disorder imposed on another (previously called Munchausen syndrome by proxy) is when someone falsely claims that another person has physical or psychological signs or symptoms of illness, or causes injury or disease in another person with the intention of deceiving others. People with this disorder present another person as sick, injured or having problems functioning, claiming that medical attention is needed. Usually this involves a parent harming a child. This form of abuse can put a child in serious danger of injury or unnecessary medical care.” From: Mayo Clinic - Factitious Disorder Dec. 14, 2019

[@clareshaughnessy2745]

People have been fooling people and suckering them in in the name of love forever. This is just a new species of love rat. You can’t legislate against heartbreak you can only live and learn

[@LuvJenniiTompul]

I wonder if she’s looked into civil prosecution instead of criminal. This is a clear case of intentional infliction of emotional distress and she’s got plenty of evidence to support it.

[@desmond-hawkins]

I was wondering what kind of charge could come from something like this. I also thought about emotional distress, but that's pretty much it, right? It's not even like she was scammed out of money, like many catfishing victims. Definitely not something that the cops are going to take that seriously, despite the impact it's had on her.

[@katana_3558]

Sadly.. if a emotional distress was a crime then dumping someone who loves u is also crime ...so there is no solid ground for case

[@shinskoala7072]

@@katana_3558 This is outrageous behavior with intent to inflict emotional harm. It's actionable and would make its way to a jury to decide in a civil case. i like her chances.

[@desmond-hawkins]

@@AttorneyAmber I doubt she actually has any resentment towards Bobby, it seems like he was a victim as you wrote, and maybe even had no idea this was even going on (hence the confused response when they first met in person). I get what you're saying about identity theft, but he'd have to claim that his reputation was damaged, what else could there be? It doesn't sound like she opened lines of credit in his name or anything like that - common things that people will do with a fake identity. There's just not. much in the law against this sort of thing; the fact that people are baffled is mainly because there seems to be no reason for this whole thing. The reason - whatever it is, mostly money - being generally the illegal act that could lead to a charge. Except that here both the motive and its associated payoff are entirely missing.

[@3_up_moon]

@@katana_3558 this is not the same thing as simply being rejected. Pretending that it is is minimizing it and indicates a lack of critical thinking skills.

[@thelovelylucinda]

Kirat was successful in her civil claim. She is the first to have won! I'm beyond happy for her 💥💥

[@angeliquec2422]

Fantastic!

[@TheDiasporaMedia]

Link please

[@poorang900]

Nice

[@melissachinnici]

that's amazing.

[@Bunny11344]

But she can’t get her youth and wasted 8 years back

[@8806Erika]

She said "if you're targeted you have no hope" uhhh yes, we have hope. Anyone in their right mind would know not to give 10 years of your time without seeing the person. How are you in a relationship with someone you've never seen in person or on video chat? 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@TendayiMatipira]

I’m also stuck there.

[@jayrossxo]

That's the answer I want. All of this could've been avoided. There was too many red flags....

[@heathernks8]

I legit don't get it. I don't engage with anyone I don't want to, which means she must have wanted to, as evidenced by the initial statement "Bobby & Kirat began a friendship." That's on you, boo. Everything after that CHOICE is on you.

[@parthsavyasachi9348]

Also what are you talking hours on skype etc. You have no life or what. What type of free people are these.

[@nikkikidd8428]

I think one of the worst effects that come from being duped for so long is how one would blame themselves, feel like it's their own fault and question their ability to make any sort of judgements or decisions. One would look back and remember all of the red flags that they missed or ignored and chastise themselves. And one may not feel comfortable entering into any type of new relationship because they cannot trust themselves or their own emotions or believe that anything could be real.

[@mysisterisafoodie]

I get the feeling that Simran had an internal competition/rivalry/envy going on with her cousin that she never externalized. But it was probably egged on by family. Like Kirat is such a good girl, and why can’t you be more like Kirat. And so she created this character to gain control over her cousin and essentially ruin her life, and that way keep the cousin hierarchy in her favor.

[@tanjastrau5925]

That's what I think too. And I know that is more or less how families in other cultures work, but there is still some major dysfunctionality in the whole family. I mean her cousin could impersonate a whole collection of extended family members and never was Kirat picking up on the fact that she wasn't talking to the actual people. So for all the stress these people put on her, she never attempted to confront THEM in person as well. Obviously, she did not have any of their real contacts or interacted with them in real life for the whole 8 years but she nevertheless let those strangers dictate her life choices while the other part of the family, which was close to her and in real contact didn't intervene or question anything either.

[@felicitybywater8012]

That would be right up there with high probability motives for this crapfest.

[@nostalgia545]

There is no excuse, that’s still evil

[@Qwertyx017]

Simran can go rot

[@thaliakate444]

100% and the cousin is mentally ill.

[@michaeljosephdimaano2802]

Lesson of the story: Never get close to people you've never know in person at least.

[@PHlophe]

she knew the person

[@minorcek]

@@PHlophe If youre not developing the relationship in person

[@michaeljosephdimaano2802]

@@PHlophe Bobby? NO. She never met the guy in person in the first place.

[@Captain__Obvious]

Catfishing is only even possible in the first place because people willingly substitute reality with an online simulation of it. All of this would be instantly solved if these extremely online individuals brain-broken by social media could just go outside, get some fresh air and meet people in person. Learn to function in the physical world and form relationships like a normal human being

[@lostlamb2021]

@@Captain__Obvious The irony off this statement is that you posted it online

[@idreaminlandscapes]

I hope people don't shame her for her story. It's not too crazy that an online relationship can become so significant that one can really control the other. I talked to someone online for years when I was in middle school and they were emotionally controlling and manipulative. I'm almost somewhat glad it happened when I was young (not that any young person should go through it) because I learned so much. After I realized what was happening to me, I was able to be more emotionally independent and learned how to notice red flags.

[@hitzoneproductions7858]

Low self esteem is the cause of all this

[@calideeslife3224]

I wish they had spent more time describing the confrontation at Bobby's house. I feel like they left out so much... What did Kirat say to Bobby's wife? What did she say to Bobby? And what did he mean when he said "my sister's inside"? That was the climax of the story and I feel like it was butchered.🤷🏾‍♀️

[@jewellui]

I felt the video could have been delivered better, it was somewhat confusing and some bits seem missing.

[@Kat-zi2tb]

@@puneetkaur7854 too much effort

[@TheGoodContent37]

Why would you need to know that? Everything was invented by her cousin. Is like you going to a strangers house. It was all a lie that those people didn't even know about. As simple as that.

[@kathybryar06]

The podcast was really good and thorough. A lot of people’s questions in these comments, about the meeting with the real Bobby and about a civil suit etc, are answered in the podcast. The real Bobby is even interviewed for it

[@justinejustice_league1857]

I was lost too!!! 🤣🤣like what? I had to rewind it 3 times and still didn't get it..

[@joshuaabel8303]

Kirat's extraordinary display of humility to tell her story is exceptional. I don't want to imagine the vulnerability she felt when she watched this story herself.

[@krystynachupak4303]

she must have been really desperate or something is really wrong with her if she was in a fake relationship with someone who didn’t even brother to see her for 10 years

[@Letstalkaboutit-vividly]

I think the fact that there were multiple accounts confirming the lie, she had met the real Bobby once, and the actual Simran corroborating the lies in real life... all these probably made it very believable... n it all went on for years, very insidious.. n there was no monetary incentive.. I think we can give her the benefit of doubt on this one

[@santa3018]

Don’t blame the victim

[@brendajarrell3810]

I just went through this for almost a year! Emotionally and financially drained me. I contacted who my family though was the real person and they refused to video chat with me leaving me to believe they weren’t real either! So many players, daughter, friend, accountant, work associates and on and on.. showed me bank accounts verifying monies to pay me back…. All lies!

[@cannotfindmyshoes3]

I hope you're ok now, or at least "recovering". Some humans are so fucked up (somehow, how? Sometimes, it's not logicall, there's NO reason for it) that they have got to target someone and put so much time and effort into fucking-up someone else, someone they never knew, someone who has never hurt them ever... So strange. I wish you "bonne courage" and strength. I hope you don't loose faith in EVERYONE, cos that's what usually happens. I know it's happened to me. I don't trust anyone anymore, only my parents and my children. It's a shame, maybe someone genuinely needed my help once, but they never got it, no-one ever will. That's what happens when thèse strange inhumane humans do what they do. They make this World even more horrible and unfriendly. Best wishes, stranger! Good Luck.

[@borisyeltsin6606]

I'm sorry you went through this. Always remember if you can't video chat them something is wrong, and if they show you bank account balances they are very easy to edit and type in whatever numbers they want

[@brendajarrell3810]

@@borisyeltsin6606 it wasn’t just bank accounts.. I had logins and pin codes as well…. Bankers, colleagues and children.. so many players

[@brendajarrell3810]

@@cannotfindmyshoes3 thank you so much for your kind words. It will be really difficult for me to trust anyone again. Being kind to strangers is something I have always done but will be very hesitate to do again!

[@uppercut147]

Thank God it only lasted a year for you and not a decade!

[@charlesphilips2045]

Okay, this is by far the biggest plot twist to a story! It was the cousin all alone! OMG! If I were Kirat, I would go to her cousin's work place and share the story with the HR department, and I will tell absolutely every single person that she knows about the psychopath that she is.

[@mayario]

100%. Out her!

[@Richa_cute]

Seriously. If that was my cousin, I'd probably turn into a bigger psycho to reverse Uno card on her. 😌 That's the most despicable thing to do to anyone really.

[@bobanderson9715]

Wouldn't she get it for defamation of character , stalking , etc ??

[@ThatGuy-mu2rr]

Someone in witness protection is not allowed to contact family or friends whatsoever. That should of been a huge red flag.

[@vapotrini]

It's so completely ridiculous to fall for this. What was she thinking?

[@puddincup9879]

Girl… how can someone fall for this nonsense? It’s so obvious.

[@santa3018]

Don’t blame the victim

[@vapotrini]

Yup, you're right. This woman had a dozen or more clear red flags waving in front of her, but kept choosing to look the other way. No video calls allowed but you're allowed to text in witness protection program? 😂 Since when are you allowed to contact anyone you knew, ever, in witness protection?

[@zsusy1019]

I had an almost similar experience that left me deeply traumatized. Took me 10 years to start trusting again. My bf of 6 years was assigned to work abroad. So for months, we are trying to survive a long distance relationship through video call, voice calls and txt. Then suddenly it was reduced to purely txt. I find it odd and suspicious but I just trusted him. His reasons and situations doesn't add up. I felt my mind was just playing on me. I found out late that he's been cheating on me and living with the woman who was txting me pretending to be him. It haunted me for 10 years and affected the way I trusted people and myself.

[@GR4MPI]

pretending to be someone else should be a crime

[@GR4MPI]

@Brian Howard ok, so pretending to be someone else intending to harm should be crime :D

[@theentrepreneur8751]

@Brian HowardWhy are you bothered by that?

[@pb.j.1753]

@Brian Howard Beauty and identity theft are not comparable. Grow up.

[@morticiamelissa]

Sure, but the victim should always be the person whose identity/ image they steal, not the person they catfish.

[@stephenbanks5952]

@@morticiamelissa Why can they not both be victims? I am sure that laws will be brought in soon. Remember this is not a crime of passion. This is a crime that was carried out for 10 years. She knew exactly what she was doing. Kirat needs some justice here.

[@gamuiceyt01]

This podcast is WILD, listened to it last year. Can’t believe how evil the cousin is

[@JakeAdkinsOfficial]

There's a podcast? That sounds crazy. What's it called?

[@tim4u2uTube]

evil has intent. cousin was just playing a prank

[@lovelyhurlin6494]

@@JakeAdkinsOfficial It's called "Sweet Bobby"

[@gamuiceyt01]

@@tim4u2uTube 10 year old prank? Have you listened to the whole podcast?

[@blue-calla]

@@tim4u2uTube a “prank” that lasted 8 years, manipulating someone to the core, obviously shows intent and evilness. Lol. You sound quite defensive; have you done something similar?

[@thathawaiiandude787]

I tried to not laugh….but, when she mentioned “Bobby” couldn’t because he had damaged vocal cords I lost it. 😂🤣😆🤣😂🤣😆🤣😂😆😂

[@amrayabaptiste2933]

Does Simran have a mental illness? Who does such a sick thing? I hope Kirat finds justice in all this. Her life became a mess. Secondly, stay clear of these online relationships with ppl whom you've never met.

[@OceanEsthers]

If I don't see you in person within the first two weeks you're getting blocked 😤

[@alexanderd231]

Yes or do a videocall for a few days first or nothing,,its a waste of time,too many scammers,,

[@heathernks8]

2 weeks? Damn, ur generous. I give about 2 days. I'm a cynical old-head GenXer tho, and three of the five guys I've met irl have been using 15-year-old pictures, so I trust no one.

[@santefeaster460]

8 years !! I can't imagine myself allowing this foolishness past 3 months.

[@voltarianone2186]

Thank you

[@mightytaiger3000]

I'm glad more people are saying this. It's ridiculous. She has as big a mental problem as the cousin.

[@prtdiva]

Exactly!

[@slowliving2041]

I won't even allow it for 2 wks 🙄

[@taniachara77]

That part!

[@marymejia1499]

Prayers and blessings to Kirat! Hope she is doing well & deserves all the happiness in the world❤ To emotionally and mentally destroy a person like that is beyond.

[@brookiegremlin6660]

I can't believe this woman thinks there's nothing wrong with her, only something wrong with the perpetrator. She's so clearly off her rocker.

[@alexanderwilliams6377]

?

[@santa3018]

Don’t blame the victim

[@trashmonet]

Catfished for 8 years? You gotta hold some type of accountability.

[@misstinahamilton5714]

I do agree

[@mightytaiger3000]

hahaha "THAT SOUNDS LIKE A CHOICE!" - Kanye West. I agree. Lost interest early on for this reason.

[@prtdiva]

Facts. Like, none of this story made sense. And when you saw him in the club, why couldn’t they meet up the next day? Was that when all that “drama” happened and he was “shot” and put into witness protection? They might’ve tricked me up until that point but after that whole witness protection thing I would’ve been done.

[@Pirike74]

@@prtdiva Exactly! Thank you

[@Bunny11344]

I agree 💯 she’s dumb

[@andrewjones575]

On MTV's Catfish, it's bizarre that many people think they're in a relationship with someone they've never met or even seen on webcam. Many haven't even spoken on the phone.

[@liiishh5393]

This made sense back in the days of slow speed internet….

[@Captain__Obvious]

@@liiishh5393 Nah it made no sense then either. It still made no sense back when people were catfished by personal ads in newspapers. I like to imagine people were scammed by carrier pigeon in the middle ages too. tbh some people just have broken brains prone to this kind of thing and there's only so much society can do to save people from themselves

[@SUdatsthecalloftheWU]

cus it is fake and lame

[@thestruggler7926]

This is why it's necessary to actually video call people before starting a romantic relationship online. Too many people today are victims of catfishing due to not calling the people they're in love with to confirm their identity. Texting alone and having a bunch of pictures online is not enough.

[@andrewjones575]

@@thestruggler7926 Yes, the photos might not be of them. If they won't meet or even talk on cam, they've something to hide.

[@TheVelvetLoungeLife]

It's ridiculous that Kirat would believe any of this. You're not in a relationship if you haven't met the person in over 10 years that's outrageous, unless the individual was in prison and that would still be out with.

[@yukisuperstylish]

Let’s be real here it’s also your fault too. How can you be in a relationship online for 10 years without getting in touch other than texting? It’s so weird she never thinks 😂 and her cousin is pure evil really why do that to your own family?!!!

[@smushparker6756]

Bet the cultural pressure played into it. Living in an insular community, getting older, and you find some "dream" guy who satisfies all the cultural checklists (i.e. doctor, south asian, marry someone from the community etc); was probably a perfect storm for her in that time in her life.

[@datbang5072]

Ah yes "marry someone from the community" .. lol stfu

[@TheDiasporaMedia]

@@itsmeleyla706 also being someone from Kenya 🇰🇪 I can tell you this. The minute she said he family is from Kenya and once I heard the whole story a lot of cultural idiosyncrasies about Indian Kenyans started to connect the dots for me. I’m black but I can tell you the insular cultural dynamics I’ve seen in the Kenyan Asian community along with what you’ve said about relationship pressures etc and from my observations I’ve seen this particularly amongst Asian girls in the same family. I got a big ahhh moment and it kinda started to make sense. No offense to the Kenyan Asian community I’m just saying how I see it.

[@houseofhas9355]

Damm that bobby guy most of moved. Because he feels shame for something he did not do. I feel bad for both the girl and guy. They were both victims here.

[@mandisaw]

Family & cultural pressure - that was my read too. When she talked about driving around b/c she was more worried about facing her family than facing the truth. Could be that separating Kirat from the family was Simran's ultimate goal.

[@Bunny11344]

No wonder they marry so young

[@roguem.7383]

Reminds me of the catfish episode where the girl cousin Catfishes her boy cousin for a few years because he called her mean names when they were younger. That was her way of getting back at him for calling her a "fat ass Kelly price"

[@chelly281]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@phoenixdavida8987]

🤣🤣🤣👌👌👌 totally remember that one. hilarious.

[@mandisaw]

Yeah this sounds like revenge for something, though whether that smth was real or imagined, who knows

[@theresashaw5027]

Most iconic catfish episode

[@ax8285]

“The Tony voice” sooo evil

[@user-lq8wd4qw4d]

I really hope you get justice Kirat. This is awful. I'm so sorry. Thank you Vice for helping her share her story. Kirat I believe you'll get your healing and catch up on all the great hopes and dreams you have for yourself ❤

[@groovyvirgochick]

Catfishing should be a crime, these people are heartless. I do not understand their mindset.

[@Professional_Youtube_Commenter]

This video really badly needed Bobby'd account. How he felt when this random woman came up to his house accusing him of having a relationship with her - when he's never met this woman before.

[@barelytrine]

What a sweet and beautiful woman. Sad to see she went through that.

[@CryptocurrencyInsider]

Sweet, beautiful but not to bright.

[@TheDiasporaMedia]

@@CryptocurrencyInsider yup. The witness protection program thing would have stopped me in my tracks to ask many more questions and get verifiable evidence. It’s at that point in the story I stopped feeling much sympathy for her.

[@barelytrine]

@@CryptocurrencyInsider *too

[@JewTube001]

@@TheDiasporaMedia the whole story went full hollywood. it's almost like a satire how she fell for it. and the vocal cord thing? wow.

[@anmnou]

@@TheDiasporaMedia So no empathy for people you deem less bright than you? How utterly judgmental of you.

[@Amadeus_2061]

When someone you don't know wants to pursue an online connection, ask for facetime very early on. Most scammers will fall apart at that point.

[@uriituw]

How can people be so gullible?

[@rupertperiwinkle4477]

Low self esteem. Insecure attachment issues. Naive. Low critical thinking skills.

[@user-rb7ns9yj5y]

1.) Pull up Facebook 2.) Delete Facebook ( all social media) 3.) Go into the real world and find your passion. Find your people. Be kind!

[@ryanreyes5440]

I think they should interview the cousin. There has to be a reason why she chose her. No one ever involves 8 years of their life and have no reasoning behind it.

[@always_b_natural703]

You are not in a relationship if you don't meet, go out, meet each other's family and friends, etc. A basic background check would probably have sussed this out.

[@anonymous-gx2fj]

I was catfished for 3 years by my friend. I can feel her.. it’s hard to live with the effects of trauma for the rest of your life.

[@nelsonta00]

Seriously she met a guy over texting for 8 years but they never meet in person. That is some very serious red flag.

[@mikea5745]

They did meet in person. Remember the club story where she ran into him. That probably made it a ton harder to figure out

[@nelsonta00]

@@mikea5745 But that was a passing moment that doesn't sound like it lasted even a few minutes. And that costed her 8 years. She sounds like a great woman that cares for her love ones, but she should've been inquisitive about this a lot sooner.

[@mikea5745]

@@nelsonta00 Point was that she did meet him. It was brief, but it's not like she forgot about it

[@BayouTottedHue]

@@mikea5745 "they" were not in a relationship when they met. Also real bobby acted confused with what Kirat was saying when they met and instead of pursuing it further and clearing out everything then and there she just left it. Sounds to me like kirat was delusional herself like she wanted the relationship to be true and didn't had the courage to face reality.

[@Living20222]

@@nelsonta00 probably a very vulnerable person who gets attached easily to people.

[@MizTheDonGargon]

she was probably jealous of her being prettier and wanted to ruin her love life for a decade

[@equalityandrespect8740]

When I first heard the podcast I was so intrigued and then when they exposed who was actually behind it I was even more shocked. Such a good podcast coverage by the reporter.

[@sara-cf2tz]

wow. thanks kirat for sharing your story, you are so brave and kind. hope you get justice and find peace

[@elephantintheroom4202]

How does someone get emotionally involved with someone they have never met? She has never talked to "Bobby" in 8 years. Kirat is a beautiful woman who lost 8 years to a scam by her cousin. In 8 years she could have been happily married with kids, but her jealous cousin blocked her happiness. I've seen all sorts of manipulative jealousy between female cousins, friends and also sisters.

[@Solidude4]

People can form emotional bonds over the internet.

[@piumirajapaksha7620]

It can happen. I don't know about 8 years, but my boyfriend and I did long distance for a year over before we met for the first time and now we're living together happily. Although, I knew he was 100% real because he's a mutual friend of one of my best friends at the time.

[@terenarosa4790]

Wasn't Bobby supposed to die in a couple months and that's why she started the relationship? To make him more comfortable? How did it continue for 8 years? He's not dead yet and she's still involved? I'd feel lied to.

[@petrausie7917]

@@terenarosa4790 at that time when we're emotionally invested, sometimes we just don't (or don't want to) notice the red flags/signs etc. Especially with tons of supporting 'characters', and like how absurd it is "how could people lie to this extent?". It's really sad :(

[@woudgy]

Yes, only women do terrible things from jealousy 🙄

[@psychedelicpsycho]

I just really hope Kirat finds someone who truly loves her and cares about her and makes all this a past life for her! She absolutely deserves it!

[@malabawikileaks4892]

I can give her true love

[@bobanderson9715]

You can give her true love can't you ?? She deserves it.

[@KimAhrina11]

@@bobanderson9715 lmao you all people are funny, there were some stories like this on Twitter. The crazy thing like some women are being manipulated, they sent a money etc to the people that catfished

[@KimAhrina11]

she already married now, this seems like her past story

[@psychedelicpsycho]

@@KimAhrina11 good

[@jonebundy99]

"Tell me how dumb you are, without telling me that you are really dumb. "

[@Letstalkaboutit-vividly]

So mean... her real cousin was manipulating her.. she was trusting a family member... gullible maybe, but dumb may be too harsh..

[@santa3018]

Tell me you are a heartless sociopath, without telling me you are a heartless sociopath

[@Mini-Me]

Extremely brave woman. Her cousin has serious issues.

[@mmymmy315]

The cousin is utterly despicable. My heart goes out to Kirat

[@gardensofthegods]

She should have this story made into a movie ... that would be the best way to warn people about what Simran is capable of .

[@minorcek]

They made it into a vice film ...smh

[@stevengill1736]

KZbin has a great record of vids like this. I love their scam busters and basic security channels. But it's much harder when people are willing to lie, cheat and steal with no conscience. Been there, done that unfortunately...

[@7218007]

Netflix made a doc about a catfish scam called tinder swindler check it out

[@Numb_]

Wait so is catfishing illegal? I don't understand

[@TeKDeLorean]

It's basically the plot of catfish the movie honestly

[@AamuAurora]

She's so brave to share this story. What a nightmare

[@alaskabicyclecenter]

Absolutely mind-blowing how deep and complex this scam was. It's a real eye-opener on the emotional toll these situations can have.

[@CLB30ROX]

Classic narcissist behavior. I'm sorry she got caught up into that. Strength to her 🙇🏽🙇🏽

[@EquilibriumTelevision]

Is it though? This is manipulative, cruel, and callous. It’s incredibly elaborate she pretended to be all these people just to hurt her cousin also. Machiavellian and sadistic would be better descriptors.

[@CLB30ROX]

@@EquilibriumTelevision Machiavelli was a textbook narcissist. You must be one as well to make an idiotic statement like that

[@Mr3344555]

Hi, you aren't a trained mental health professional or a psychologist please refrain from using the word narcissist.

[@CLB30ROX]

@@Mr3344555 Actually, I am. And seeing as you are not, your attempt at reprimanding me is comical

[@victoriahiley8395]

Malignant Narc. I agree.

[@DragonNo1]

It looks to me as Simran is a case of sociopathy, in which she was testing her power over the victim but was aware of the legal limits in her deception, which is a proof of her perversion. This was neither her first ploy nor the last one. Probably she used similar deceptive tools to advance in her career or job.

[@grace_koh]

Back when I was 19, I started an online relationship with a guy in another city. He was my age. We only met about a year later. He was everything he said he was and we were in a real relationship for 6 years. Can't imagine being in an online relationship now, because I don't think I can trust anybody online anymore.

[@terriwhalen3618]

I am sorry you experienced this. Thank you for sharing this story. Please don't blame yourself. You are very brave. I will be praying for you 🙏. God Bless!

[@johnnygreen5642]

To carry on with someone for 8yrs without seeing someone ppl brains are literally getting Smaller

[@sierrachoco5271]

I thought the same. By now people should be well aware of the dangers of face book. If you haven't met someone in person after a few months it's a problem. Facebook is a trap for lonely people, find another way to friendship!!!

[@Dmenjivar22]

I bet she also tried helping that Nigerian prince.

[@starduck8014]

agreed

[@yothiga]

They see each other face, tho. They just don’t “talk” like they should be.

[@karareeves1280]

The pain in her voice when she sent him a voice message saying he broke her heart.. god.. gave me goosebumps. I know exactly this feeling all too well. Bless her.. I hope she has time for healing and able to move on and have a beautiful life. Also her voice is amazing. Someone tell her to make an ASMR channel. She would be rich. I mean,, her voice is amaaaazxxinnnggg

[@jessicad.f5485]

How can one be soo naïve?

[@TerrorTerros]

How gullible is she... witness protection?! New york?! and still allowed to use your old fb!! She must have been in a very bad place in order to accept all that.

[@lauralafauve5520]

Yeah, if someone is in witness protection they are allowed to speak to no one in their former life. But it's amazing the things people don't know, especially if they're in an insular group. 🤷

[@fksons4161]

pure stupidity and emotion pandering. i have got no sympathy for her

[@HotEatTheFood]

It’s hard to say when she’s being gaslit by a bunch of different accounts all saying what he said is true

[@alexanderd231]

there is this thing we call videocalls?

[@MrSimondaniel3]

yes it's pretty strange. she's very pretty & she seems smart - has a good job. who doesn't know about catfishing? & how does someone like her get so wrapped up in an online relationship? but she's brave to be part of this show.

[@misstinahamilton5714]

I just really hope people be careful. There was a case in Australia that reminds me of this. But a girls friend catfished her supposed best friend into a relationship with a man that did not exist. The victim ended herself - when the fake man did not want to be with her . These disgusting people need to be prosecuted severely .

[@deadandblue]

Same old question that remains unanswered for love or money but guys are always getting cat fished into pain and then the bullying and harassment begins shortly afterward then suicide happens

[@bobanderson9715]

True. But good people shouldn't be so desperate and give up so much information online or anyway. It's sad but true.

[@misstinahamilton5714]

@@bobanderson9715 I fully agree. It’s very interesting - from a psychological aspect.

[@mollyram2997]

yep. Made me think of that case too. Beyond horrible. Remember how the best friend/catfisher had been in love with the girl prior & even aggressively hooked up with her? The victim didn't want that & ended the weird hookup.. but the friendship continued & was super controlling & messed up. Also, the pictures of the two girls side by side gave me the willies.. the girl looked to be copying the victim in outfits/hair styles etc. So insane and tragic... broke my heart that she jumped off that cliff. I'll never forget it. I CANNOT believe the catfisher got to get away with it and has a husband & kids now too.

[@misstinahamilton5714]

@@mollyram2997 yes! I recall and I wish the victim would’ve stopped the friendship before things went that far. But it’s not her fault. Even her mom tried to help. I don’t understand how there aren’t laws to punish those that do this crap. I didn’t know the catfisher has a husband and kids now - so she just gets to live her life after what she did ! Disgusting ! There was a case in the Uk where a woman was catfished for years by her cousin - she was able to take legal action . I believe it was on the basis of emotional distress but I don’t recall the details. I was glad to see it !

[@guneytopal7076]

It's a sad story but 8 years catfished? The cousin is clearly a narcissist but Kirat equally lacks any sort of maturity. Any individual who has fully matured to an adult and has no mental issues should be able to notice some massive red flags.

[@rupertperiwinkle4477]

Most adults are simply wounded children in adult bodies. Kirat is clearly gullible and naive

[@CherieDeDieu]

That has got to be the worst form of emotional abuse ever! So sorry.

[@khefrenka2348]

I was confused when she got a call from her cousin confirming the catfisher's story. I figured she was in on it, but never suspected it was solely her. I feel so bad for this woman that a family member could just do that to her. She didn't even do it for money. Just to be sadistic, wow.

[@jvjjjvvv9157]

Well. I would title this as one of the least believable scams ever, rather than one of the most complex. Being shot, put in witness protection, having your vocal cords damaged, waiting for a sure death...I feel bad for the victim, but my God, what a load of bizarre, unbelievable crap.

[@Pirike74]

yes! Thank you for the above summary, well said.

[@Ljounieh]

Right!!

[@kratos_gamer7412]

We need to provide the details of simran. We need this to be spread around !

[@Chloe__________xx]

Poor lady she’s such a sweetheart but naive as hell 😭 we’ve all been manipulated in some way though. Poor lady I hope she’s found happiness now 💜

[@spellonyou7987]

I don't understand how naive someone can be to be "in love" and "relationship" with someone you can't even see, video call, or phone call for more than 8 years. I mean maybe indeed love itself is blind and deaf or she is head over heels with this "Bobby" Image that the idea of him has a crush on her enough to convince her that nothing could possibly wrong even if she can't phone or video call him. This is where a sense of skepticism is important in life, especially with many people with bad motives around you. I hope Kirat is doing well now and she should sue her cousin for emotional distress and abuse, because if it is me I will do it in a blink.

[@jurisblade77]

Exactly, be in love with an Illusion. Face the reality the problem is not "Bobby" YOU ARE THE PROBLEM.

[@ninaaden8338]

@@jurisblade77 lol, is that you, bitter simran? 😂😂😂

[@helgenx]

One acronym perfectly sums up this entire episode and Vice in general. "lol."

[@Sunset553]

This situation reminds me of stalking. I had a stalker before there were anti-stalking laws. He could follow me, move near where I move so much and for so long, that I forgot why I moved and unlisted my phone number. If there were laws against the whole insanity of pretending to be someone to harm someone else’s mental health and to waste a ton of their time so their life is at a standstill, then the police could act.

[@marinaapocalypse4035]

The crazy thing is that if her cousin had asked her for money, then she probably would have had a case against her. Well, ok, she was not financially damaged, but what about the amount of mental and emocional energy she put into that relationship for TEN YEARS. It's so bizarre how catfishing is not illegal at all if you don't put money into play

[@4149TOBI]

Kirat if you see this know I went through something similar although it wasn’t someone I knew it still affected me the issue is just like the what Kirat mentioned these catfishes will use fake personal tragedy to wrap you into emotional blackmail and all other things. The internet was different back then and if your a kind and genuine person it’s easier to be manipulated, things will get worse now due to filters and apps and new tech. Glad you had the courage to hire the investigator I hope you find happiness with someone that cares for you and will hopefully repay back the time lost. Nobody is immune especially when the catfish believes they havnt done anything wrong.

[@misstinahamilton5714]

But how do you get roped into such a thing when youve never seen the person ? Im just trying to understand . Yes there is the emotional aspect , but at the same time - is there not a disconnect when you have never had the chance to see the person after many months or years ?

[@dzpol566]

​@@misstinahamilton5714 that's why this won't work with everybody. They carefully target specific characters that fulfill some social and psychological requirements, people who value emotions more than logic will most likely follow emotions when you push them to the corner. if you convince one of those that you're getting surgery, they will feel that they have some responsibility to care for you and help you in every way, and you don't need much effort to actually convince them, they will convince themselves even when they have doubts, because they don't want to risk being wrong about their logical explanation, because again, they value the emotional aspect more than anything else.

[@4149TOBI]

@@misstinahamilton5714 You have to realise this was the time of MSN, back then it was not uncommon to talk to friends online for hours at a time, whole days many people during that time formed relationships with people using that way of communcation it was what tiktok or snapchat of the 90s. I was majorly niave and young and not experienced in relationships or with girls or women in general and a combination of that and emotional blackmail and lies from the catfish and being a kind, introverted person still finding myself. I am I fell for the illlusion they would make excuses when I asked for a webchat or call. At the end of the day I presented my real self the other person didn't to this day I dont know who the person truly is they never asked for money or anything so I was lucky but it massively damage me mentually for a while it took a lot of for that time to forgive myself and move on. The whole experience wasn't 10 years like Kirat experience I think about 1 and half but I do sympathise with her. Love can be blind but it can do major stuff to the mind and in the hands of a catfish it can be dangerous.

[@carlsenlifeafter60carlsen11]

Moral of the story is stay off social media. I hate Facebook I watch KZbin for information but that’s it. I’m so sorry she had to go through that. I hope she gets some help she needs to come to terms with what happened to her.

[@canadianjatti]

no moral is dont trust people so easily and if someone cant meet you within weeks of speaking to them then move along as they are likely FAKE. I have been on social media almost 20 years now and no issues. I have been asked for money etc and answer is always block and delete

[@stevenmccart5455]

It's good to see that others share the same views about the internet as I do. Although I do still have a Facebook thing ,but haven't looked at it in ages. I'm waiting for the stories regarding on line dating to start. There has to be lots of stories about fraud in those things.

[@bobanderson9715]

Facts. I don't mess with facebook or dating sites like that. My Facebook account has none of my personal information at all.

[@Whitemoon379]

Amen

[@351528]

I listened to the podcast a few months back and I'm still blown away by how someone could do this. Her cousin is pretty twisted.

[@delewan]

Just pure psychological torture, that's awful. I hope Kirat can find some healing and peace.

[@ScratchthechalkBoard]

The police can’t do anything, the cousin didn’t steal her banking information, it really seems like a civil court issue. Restraining order against that cousin should be possible

[@osumanaaa9982]

She freaking caused her so much stress that she had to quit her job. Even if just for that, she should be held accountable. Let's not forget about the psychological damage and impersonating several people.

[@MsEsquire83]

Such utter heartbreak, it's unfathomable that people can do this to one another. 💔

[@droma2366]

This is one of the least harmful things ppl do to each other.

[@KingDomsKingdom85]

Hi Jacquelyn, I am a Nigerian Prince who has been informed to tell you that you're owed $2million USD... all I need is your full bank details so I can transfer over the money, sound good? 🤣🤔

[@Captain__Obvious]

@@KingDomsKingdom85 This guy is an imposter. I'm in close email contact with the real crown prince of Nigeria who's assured me he's far too busy transferring back my life savings to be commenting on youtube

[@KingDomsKingdom85]

@@Captain__Obvious hahaha

[@toddjohnson7572]

It's basically as unfathomable for her to be "in love" and in a Relationship, losing her job, etc -- over someone she never met before (or thought she met in passing) and talking to every day for hours online with thinking she's in (lol) an actual relationship. Isn't that surprising they're both related!

[@afeaaserhna8785]

Clearly, something is wrong with the way Kirat sees the world.

[@frenchie2700]

How can one fall for that? Come one!

[@afterthestorm221]

Scammers and catfish are so rarely caught or prosecuted because the police refuse to understand and listen to the entire story prior to assuming the validity of offences.

[@reurge]

Damm I just be ignoring them pokes like idk u lmao

[@reurge]

@The Third Position you don't get any? Lmao

[@tj-8422]

I thought everyone did. Yikes!

[@subtitlesonplease]

Far too kind, very naive and a people pleaser. It’s all very sad. Hope something like this never happens to her again

[@aishahussein633]

Some people are sexually obsessed with their own family. It’s gross