Woman Jailed for 15-Year Catfishing Scheme Against Best Friend

A woman has been sentenced to prison for orchestrating a deceptive scheme that left her best friend emotionally and psychologically devastated for over 15 years. Claire Gilbert, 36, was convicted at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester for catfishing her friend by creating fictitious identities and manipulating her perceptions of reality.

Gilbert’s deceit began in 2010 when her friend moved in with her, believing she was helping Gilbert escape from an abusive relationship. Under the guise of a man named Carl Murphy, Gilbert constructed an elaborate narrative, leading her friend to believe that Carl and his daughter, Katie, were real. This manipulation escalated over the years, with Gilbert crafting an intricate backstory and even introducing imaginary family members into the narrative.

Throughout these years, the victim sent “Carl” gifts, letters, and money, completely convinced of his existence. Gilbert took advantage of the trust and emotional vulnerability in their friendship, sending her friend fabricated texts and images purportedly from Carl. The victim described her deep emotional investment in the supposed relationship, claiming she had embraced Katie as her own child.

The facade began to unravel in 2019 when Greater Manchester Police conducted a search of Gilbert’s phone. The investigation revealed several shocking truths, including the discovery of a voice-changing app that Gilbert had used to maintain her deception. The victim learned that Carl was not only fictitious but that all of his so-called friends and family members were also creations of Gilbert’s imagination.

During her court appearance, the victim delivered a poignant impact statement, expressing her anguish: “I discovered the last 15 years of my life were a fabrication and I was living a lie. Claire was my best friend; she told me she had been abused, raped, and beaten. All of this was a lie and I believed her.” She further stated, “She took 15 years away from me. For 15 years, I was catfished, lied to, and psychologically tortured.”

In addition to stalking charges, Gilbert also pled guilty to multiple counts of fraud for using her friend’s identity to open credit cards and commit financial deception. The court sentenced her to a total of three years in prison, a decision that reflects the severe emotional and psychological toll her actions inflicted on her victim.

This case highlights the profound impact of catfishing and emotional manipulation, serving as a reminder of the importance of trust and the vulnerabilities that can arise in personal relationships. Gilbert’s actions not only shattered the trust between friends but also left her victim grappling with the reality of a life built on lies.