Dr. Phil - Season 11 - Eps 64: To Catch a Catfish: An Online Dating Predator Exposed
Dr. Phil's guests say they fell victim to a catfish -- a person who creates a false ID on the Internet in the hopes of luring people into romantic relationships. Devon says she fell in love with a man named David, whom she met online, and then spent nearly three years planning their future together -- without ever meeting him in person. She says they talked and texted every day for hours and exchanged photos, but every time they attempted to meet, David always had an excuse to reschedule. Although Devon was in love, she says David was controlling and manipulative, and she started cutting herself to cope. Then, a phone call changed everything -- Devon says she was shocked to learn that David wasn't who he said he was. And, Lauren, Bobbie and Kelly say they also fell for the same man and spent months establishing an online relationship -- one that never culminated in a face-to-face meeting. An estimated 26 women have fallen victim to this alleged catfish's schemes. What were the signs that they missed? And what would drive a person to carry out such a deception? Learn the online dating red flags to look out for. Plus, a Dr. Phil producer tracks down the man in question -- and you won't believe whom they find!
About Dr. Phil

Title: Dr. Phil
First Air Date: 2002-09-16
Last Air Date: 2023-05-25
Status: Ended
Rating: 4.683/10 (from 63 votes)
Language: EN
Seasons: 22
Total Episodes: 3566
Network: Syndication
Genres: Talk
Production Companies: Peteski Productions, Harpo Productions, Stage 29 Productions
Synopsis
Using the power of television, Dr. Phil McGraw presents compelling stories about real people with a variety of emotional and behavioral problems, stripping away the shame and embarrassment that too often keep people from seeking help. Its a show that is suppose to help people with their problems and to find a solution on live TV .
Cast

Phil McGraw
Self