Tag

Catfishing

All articles tagged with #catfishing

Virginia husband convicted in murder plot tied to affair and catfishing with au pair
crime25 days ago

Virginia husband convicted in murder plot tied to affair and catfishing with au pair

A Virginia jury found Brendan Banfield guilty of murdering his wife, Christine Banfield, and Joseph Ryan, who prosecutors say was lured to the home as part of an affair-driven scheme with Brazilian au pair Juliana Magalhães, who testified after pleading guilty to manslaughter; prosecutors argued the couple impersonated Christine to lure Ryan in a catfishing plot, while Banfield faces life in prison at sentencing and Magalhães could be freed after time served.

Closing arguments underway in Fairfax au pair affair murder trial
crime28 days ago

Closing arguments underway in Fairfax au pair affair murder trial

Closing arguments have begun in Fairfax County for the murder trial of Brendan Banfield, accused with Juliana Magalhães of luring Joseph Ryan to the couple’s home via a catfishing scheme on an adult site; prosecutors point to blood evidence and testimony, while the defense questions DNA testing and digital records; Magalhães has pleaded guilty to a reduced manslaughter charge and will be sentenced after Banfield’s trial.

Virginia husband testifies he shot the man, not his wife, in au pair affair case
crime29 days ago

Virginia husband testifies he shot the man, not his wife, in au pair affair case

In a Fairfax County murder trial, Brendan Banfield testified that he shot Joseph Ryan during the killings of his wife Christine Banfield, saying he did not want to shoot Ryan; prosecutors contend Banfield stabbed Christine and staged the scene, while the au pair Juliana Magalhães testified about a secret affair and social-media catfishing. The defense questioned investigators and highlighted inconsistencies as the case against Banfield continues.

Banfield testifies he found wife attacked, denies plotting with au pair
crime29 days ago

Banfield testifies he found wife attacked, denies plotting with au pair

In a Virginia murder trial, Brendan Banfield testified he found his wife being attacked, shot the man stabbing her, and denied prosecutors’ claims that he plotted with his au pair to kill his wife and frame Joseph Ryan; prosecutors allege a catfishing scheme and staged crime scene, while the defense points to questions about evidence, with closing arguments forthcoming.

Alaska Woman Receives 99-Year Sentence for Catfish Murder Plot
crime2 years ago

Alaska Woman Receives 99-Year Sentence for Catfish Murder Plot

Denali Brehmer, 23, has been sentenced to 99 years in prison for orchestrating the murder of her best friend, 19-year-old Cynthia Hoffman, after being promised $9 million by a man she met online, who turned out to be 25-year-old Darin Schilmiller of Indiana. Brehmer enlisted four friends to help carry out the murder, and despite not pulling the trigger herself, she was held responsible for the crime. The victim, a developmentally disabled woman, was shot and dumped in a river. Brehmer's co-conspirators have also been sentenced, with Schilmiller receiving 99 years in prison and others awaiting sentencing or trial.

"Catfish Scheme Leads to 99-Year Sentences for Murderous Women"
crime2 years ago

"Catfish Scheme Leads to 99-Year Sentences for Murderous Women"

An Alaska woman, Denali Brehmer, was sentenced to 99 years in prison for her role in a murder plot orchestrated by her catfisher lover, who convinced her to carry out the killing of 19-year-old Cynthia Hoffman. Brehmer, who believed her online romance was a millionaire named "Tyler," convinced four teenagers to carry out the killing, resulting in Hoffman being bound, shot, and dumped in a river. The catfisher, Darin Schilmiller, was also sentenced to 99 years in prison. Two other adolescents involved in the case were prosecuted in the juvenile justice system, and the case of the alleged trigger-puller, Kayden McIntosh, is pending.

Sister Wives' Kody Brown Faces Rejection and Tension in Latest News Roundup
entertainment2 years ago

Sister Wives' Kody Brown Faces Rejection and Tension in Latest News Roundup

Meri Brown, star of the reality show Sister Wives, expresses her frustration and disappointment with her estranged husband Kody Brown, stating that he is not worth it. The couple divorced in 2014 but remained spiritually married, and their relationship has become increasingly strained. Meri reflects on her catfishing scandal and claims that much of the controversy surrounding it was made up. She is uncertain about the future of their relationship and contemplates whether to continue in a platonic role.

Psychologist's Tips to Avoid Online 'Cockfishing'
technology2 years ago

Psychologist's Tips to Avoid Online 'Cockfishing'

Cockfishing, a form of online deception involving the use of fake genital photos or manipulated images, is a growing concern in online dating. To protect oneself, it is important to scrutinize online profiles for inconsistencies, signs of photo manipulation, and overly flattering language. Verifying information and photos through reverse image searches, video chats, or in-person meetings can help uncover deception. Trusting instincts and setting clear boundaries are also crucial in avoiding falling prey to cockfishers.

scamcatfishing2 years ago

'Stranger Things' Fan Divorces Husband After Falling for Fake Dacre Montgomery Catfish

A woman from Kentucky claims she was catfished by a scammer pretending to be Stranger Things star Dacre Montgomery, leading her to divorce her husband and send the impostor around $10,000. The scammer convinced her of their identity by referencing specific details about the show and sending poems similar to Montgomery's writing style. The woman believes that her fear of abandonment and people-pleasing tendencies made her vulnerable to the scam. Representatives for Montgomery have not yet commented on the situation.

"Fake 'Stranger Things' Star Dacre Montgomery Catfish Scams Woman out of $10k"
scam2 years ago

"Fake 'Stranger Things' Star Dacre Montgomery Catfish Scams Woman out of $10k"

A woman from Kentucky claims she was catfished and scammed out of $10k by someone pretending to be Dacre Montgomery, known for his role in "Stranger Things." The woman divorced her husband after the fake actor told her to choose between him and her spouse. Despite the real Dacre Montgomery being in a relationship since 2017, the woman believed the imposter's story and sent money through gift cards, crypto, and payment apps. This incident highlights the dangers of romance scams, where scammers exploit emotional vulnerability to gain trust and manipulate victims into sending money.

Woman Divorces Husband After Falling for Fake 'Stranger Things' Star and Sending Him $10K
crime2 years ago

Woman Divorces Husband After Falling for Fake 'Stranger Things' Star and Sending Him $10K

A woman from Kentucky, obsessed with the TV show "Stranger Things," fell victim to a catfishing scam where she divorced her husband and sent $10,000 worth of gift cards to someone posing as actor Dacre Montgomery. The scammer claimed to be Montgomery and manipulated the woman into believing they were in a relationship, exploiting her vulnerability and emotions. Investigations revealed that the scammer was a romance scammer, preying on individuals for financial gain. The woman wants to raise awareness to prevent others from falling victim to similar scams.

Rise of AI-Generated Influencers: Milla Sofia Takes Internet by Storm
technology2 years ago

Rise of AI-Generated Influencers: Milla Sofia Takes Internet by Storm

Milla Sofia, a 19-year-old Finnish virtual influencer and fashion model created by artificial intelligence (AI), has amassed over 100,000 social media followers who are unaware that she is not a real person. Milla's stunning images of herself in exotic locations have fooled hundreds of thousands of people into thinking she is a living, breathing human. This phenomenon is not unique to Milla, as AI-generated virtual influencers are becoming increasingly popular on social media platforms. However, the use of AI-generated women is not limited to influencing, as they are also being used to catfish men into handing over money.