A teenager from Wales says her life changed after someone stole her identity online and used it to catfish people.
Sasha-Jay Davies, 19, says strangers now approach her in public and accuse her of misleading them online. The accusations stem from fake accounts created using her photos.
She says the experience has made her anxious whenever someone looks at her in public places.
“I panic when people stare at me in the supermarket,” she said. “I worry they recognise my face and think I’m the person who messaged them.”
Years of Harassment
Davies says the impersonation started in 2022 when she was 16 and had just started college. She discovered that someone had used her pictures to create a public profile on the social media app TikTok.
The account posted her photos regularly and quickly gained followers. Davies reported the issue to the police, but she says little action was taken at the time.
Soon, the fake profiles spread to other platforms. Her photos began appearing on dating apps and on Instagram.
Since then, around 20 men and several women have contacted her online believing they know her.
Some men even approached her in person and accused her of arranging meetings or leading them on. Davies says she never had those conversations.
Fear and Isolation
The repeated encounters have left her feeling frightened. She now avoids going out as often because she fears being confronted again.
“It’s terrifying to be accused of something you never did,” she said. “Someone is using my face to manipulate people.”
Although the men who approached her have been polite so far, she worries about how others might react in the future.
Fake Posts and Personal Attacks
The impersonator did more than steal her photos. Davies says they also posted cruel content about her personal life.
One post included a fake medical certificate related to her late father’s illness. Other posts included offensive language that damaged her reputation.
The impersonator also uploaded photos of other women with similar body types. These images attracted comments from men, which Davies says made her feel uncomfortable and violated.
“The level of planning behind this is hard to understand,” she said. “They seem to know everything about me.”
Fake Accounts Gain Large Following
The impersonator repeatedly changed usernames on fake social media accounts. One fake Instagram account reportedly gained more than 20,000 followers before the platform removed it.
Davies made her real accounts private about 18 months ago to protect herself. However, the impersonator continues to use old images and even AI-edited photos to create new profiles.
Police Investigation
South Wales Police are currently investigating the case.
Online safety lawyer Yair Cohen says catfishing often happens when individuals seek attention or control.
He explains that people who create fake identities online may struggle with low self-esteem and use deception to gain a sense of power.
What Is Catfishing?
Catfishing occurs when someone creates a fake online identity to deceive others. They often use stolen photos and fabricated personal details.
Some catfishers seek romantic relationships or friendships. Others attempt financial scams or simply enjoy the manipulation.
These fake profiles usually avoid video calls or real-life meetings because the deception would quickly become obvious.
A Growing Online Safety Concern
Davies says the experience has affected her confidence and daily life. She hopes speaking out will raise awareness about online impersonation and identity theft.
Her story highlights the risks of social media misuse and the emotional harm caused by digital deception.
