Online support group for victims of catfishing to go live on Wednesday

The support group was launched following the third installment of the 2 Johnnies GAA Catfish podcast, which was released last month. Picture: Ruth Medjber @ruthlessimagery

An online support group for victims of catfishing will go live on Wednesday evening to offer safe, confidential help to those who have been “deceived by false online identities.” 

The session, run by mental health charity Turn2Me, will take place at 7pm and will provide guidance from counsellors, as well as the opportunity to connect with others who have been through similar situations.

Catfishing, according to Turn2Me, is a “deceptive practice” where people create fake personas online to “manipulate or exploit others.” 

The charity says that catfishing can cause “severe mental health consequences” as victims often experience “betrayal, emotional distress, shame, and damaged self-esteem.” 

The support group was launched following the third instalment of the 2 Johnnies GAA Catfish podcast, which was released last month.

The Tipperary duo originally brought the story of the GAA Catfish to the nation’s attention in May 2022.

The podcast then revealed that a serial catfish had been in contact with over 30 men in Ireland, including podcast host Johnny B O’Brien.

However, in the latest episode, which was released on January 13, the 2 Johnnies revealed that the same catfish was operating once again, this time under a different alias.

This time around, things took a darker turn, as the catfish claimed to have been raped by a GAA player and alleged other traumatic experiences, including being forced to have an abortion.

One of the catfish’s victims was also informed that photos of his child had been posted online without his consent.

At the beginning of the new podcast, the 2 Johnnies said they “never imagined” revisiting the story of the GAA Catfish, but as new stories emerged, the pair said they felt “compelled to act.” 

“This episode is not about shaming anyone but about raising awareness and preventing further harm.

“It’s time to address this issue and call on social media companies to do more to combat fake profiles,” they said.

Launching the online support group, Turn2Me CEO Fiona O’Malley said: “Being catfished is a painful experience that can leave lasting emotional scars. Many victims suffer in silence, feeling embarrassed or isolated.

“This support group will provide a space where people can heal, connect with others who truly understand, and learn healthy coping mechanisms. No one should have to go through this alone,” she added.

The Catfishing Support Group is open to anyone who has been catfished, whether in a romantic relationship, friendship, or financial scam.

The session will be anonymous and confidential to ensure a safe space for participants to express their emotions without fear of judgment.

Those interested can sign up for free here.