From friendships to romance, the internet has opened the door to countless ways of connecting with people. But that same freedom also gives anyone the chance to lie, hide, and pretend to be someone they’re not.
Redditors from different threads shared their catfishing experiences—whether they were the ones deceived or the ones doing the deceiving. The stories range from shocking to heartbreaking, with a few even ending on a surprisingly positive note. Scroll down to read them all, and remember to be cautious about who you trust online.