Imagine discovering that the last 15 years of your life were built on lies, crafted by someone you trusted. That’s exactly what happened to one woman, who fell victim to an elaborate deception at the hands of Claire Gilbert. Her supposed best friend not only invented a fictional boyfriend named ‘Carl’ but also created an entire fake family, ensnaring her in a web of falsehoods that could rival a Netflix drama.
Gilbert, 45, utilised voice filters to bolster her deceit, making the victim believe Carl and other family members were real. The lies ran deep—fabricated tales of assaults, threats, and even sympathy ploys claiming illness—all to ensure the victim’s loyalty and sympathy. Over the years, the victim was convinced to send money and gifts, and was emotionally invested in these fictitious individuals, including a fake daughter she treated as her own.
Court documents reveal that Gilbert’s trail of deceit began in 2005 when she manipulated her way into living with the victim. Under the guise of escaping an abusive past, she planted seeds for an imaginary world, keeping the victim entrapped mentally and emotionally. This facade began to crumble in 2017 when discrepancies were uncovered, leading to a shocking discovery in 2020: fraudulent credit activities and hidden gifts meant for the fictional family.
Gilbert’s actions left the victim shattered, altering her self-confidence and robbing her of years she can never reclaim. She shared her anguish, describing feeling manipulated and controlled, with dreams of motherhood and independence cruelly snatched away. Gilbert has been sentenced to three years in prison along with an indefinite restraining order.
This chilling story serves as a reminder of how deep betrayal can cut, reshaping lives and leaving lasting scars. Always be mindful of who you trust and the stories you embrace.