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[–]MissKitsch 35 points36 points ago*

It's completely obvious that this whole situation is a scam.

Maybe it's a man, maybe it's a girl who feels she needs to do these things to get attention, or maybe it's just someone who gets off this. Who knows.

But when it comes down to it, you can't stop him from talking to her. You said he already got her a ring, but the most you can do now is try to discourage him from spending more money on her unless she is willing to Skype with him, meet him, etc. If he wants to go to Canada to meet her, GO WITH HIM. If the person agrees to meet, do it somewhere public and in a moderately quiet setting -- like a restaurant or a coffee shop.

Honestly I don't think they'd agree to meet him unless it was under some sort of pretense to rob/kill/assault him. (I could be completely wrong, but the fact that they refuse to Skype, make up Facebook friends, etc ... very telling.)

Under no circumstances do you let him go to Canada by himself! Otherwise, what he's doing isn't harming anyone (except perhaps his mental health and his wallet) so you're better off not distancing yourself from him. He will need you when this blows up, and not in an "I told you so!" way.

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 7 points8 points ago

I hope its not that extreme! But you are so right, and no way will he go to meet her, let alone by himself. She is/was supposed to come here to the states to meet him and the family but there is always an excuse. And that's kind of why I'm on here asking about this, because that's exactly what I don't want to happen. It would be pretty lame if he chose to disown his own family members for someone he's never even seen.

[–]DisregardMyPants 10 points11 points ago

Have they ever done a video chat over skype?

The only excuse for not doing that is the lack of a webcam. If that's her excuse, your entire issue could be solved with a $20 "belated" Christmas gift.

[–]earfullofcorn 6 points7 points ago

I honestly don't think it is a "scam" if this has been going on for 3 years. If I was a murderer or trying to rip someone off, I would not put 3 years time worth of effort or be friends with his family online.... So, maybe it's someone who has a weird fetish or needs attention? Not saying it is a normal thing...just wanted to kind of offer some reassurance that your brother will most likely not get killed by this person. Or at least that doesn't seem to be the end goal

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 3 points4 points ago

Agreed, I don't think she is a murderer or con artist, but she is definitely stealing him away from the people who enjoy his company. I have a hard time even hanging out with him these days, because all he thinks about all day is talking to her on the computer. When he's not online, its like he can't do much because he has to get back to her before she throws a fit. It's not the healthiest relationship, even if she was here, I wouldn't like how much time he spends on her compared to the rest of the people in his life.

[–]silenta 3 points4 points ago

How is your brother planning to propose, or even get married if they haven't met? I'm not trying to be snarky, but wondering about his thought process. Do they Skype or video chat or anything? More stories please.

Someone else mentioned it, but if you haven't watched Catfish, do it immediately

[–]theflamecrow 4 points5 points ago

That right there raises red flags to me...

Finding excuses each time? Something is wrong.

[–]Clbull 1 point2 points ago

You'd be surprised at what criminals do on the internet these days.

[–]semimedium 109 points110 points ago

No doctor would speak to their patients long distance boyfriend over AIM after they were in emergency surgery. Also, no one who had emergency brain surgery would be lucid enough to go online two hours after OR even be allowed to sit up in their hospital bed.

Source: Fucking common sense.

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 20 points21 points ago

Exactomundo!

[–]semimedium 16 points17 points ago

I can't understand how this isn't enough proof for him.

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 23 points24 points ago

They say love is blind, I know. But even the blind know not to walk out in the street without first listening. I'm with ya there

[–]lollan 12 points13 points ago

Love is not blind, it just makes people stupid. Being blind is different than being stupid.

[–]readforit 9 points10 points ago

if your brother has been "dating" someone over the internet who he has never met and now is getting engaged, he should receive immediate psychiatric help!

[–][deleted] ago

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[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 1 point2 points ago

Hahaha nobody does this. I've lived here almost my whole life and I've never visited Montana that much...wait. She said one of the times she actually seen my brother, but he didn't see her. And her sister seen him in wal-mart, and followed him around! And weirdly enough, it was my brother who told me this.

[–]silenta 6 points7 points ago

And he didn't think it was strange that his online girlfriend SAW him, but didn't speak to him? Or am I getting the details wrong?

[–]Raeko 42 points43 points ago

Sounds like a Catfish to me...

Why not drive on up and visit her? She's given an address for mailing, have you checked the address out at all?

[–]xScribbled 10 points11 points ago

Forget driving up, just Google Street View it

[–]karebearwsu 5 points6 points ago

I was going to mention this but you beat me to it. Caught that randomly on HBO I think one day and enjoyed it, but it was also so sad...

[–]pearlysweetcake 31 points32 points ago

Wow. I am a tall and fat woman, and my biggest finger (thumb) is only an 8.5. My ring finger is a 7.

[–]karebearwsu 29 points30 points ago

Not that it actually matters for the OP's question (since I do think the brother's SO sounds fake), but I wear a size 9 ring finger. I have massive man hands. Thanks dad ><.

[–]crashlovex3 4 points5 points ago

My class ring from highschool is an eleven. Don't feel bad heh.

[–]karebearwsu 2 points3 points ago

Wahoo! Sometimes I feel like I'm the only one...

I have no idea how big my dads hands actually are, but he got the largest available commercial size (at the time) for his wedding band and it still only fits his pinky finger.

[–]arquebus_x 8 points9 points ago

I have no idea how big my dads hands actually are, but he got the largest available commercial size

Of HANDS???

At least, that's where I thought you were going with that.

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 0 points1 point ago

No it matters, I need all the help I can get to convince him he's being fooled. My mom expressed to him how strange she thought it was that a little lady of her stature would wear a size 9, but apparently that didn't strike him the same way. Thanks for the reference

[–]anastasiabeverhausen 7 points8 points ago

Conversely, I'm 5'6", rather slim (not super skinny), & my ring size is an 8.

It's so awkward when someone buys me a ring, because everyone assumes I'd be a 4 or a 5, which just fits my pinky.

[–]seditious 1 point2 points ago

I'm in a similar situation. I'm not the tiniest of ladies, but nor am I large. I wear a size 8 ring as well. It's pretty telling that the girlfriend was lying about her figure, however you can't take it as solid evidence of a lie. I would have him ask her if he has man/big for her size/ugly hands. Her description of herself makes it sound as though she is self-conscious, so considering it seems as though she is a liar.... she will probably lie again to spare her own feelings. She will probably say no, and in that case you know she's lying. A size 9 ring means big hands. Unless she's wearing the engagement ring on a necklace around her neck. And in that case..... there is still a problem with the relationship. So perhaps he could also find out which hand she's wearing the ring on, if nothing is mentioned about a necklace.... then you know.

[–]readforit 8 points9 points ago

consider that the ring could be for "her" penis ....

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 3 points4 points ago

giant finger=small penis either way I can't help but feel bad

[–]rockstar_wannabe 0 points1 point ago

My best friend grew up on a farm, her smallest finger is a size 10 ...

[–]prencey -1 points0 points ago

:( I feel like an idiot. When I proposed to my girlfriend I could have sworn she said size 9 so I got her a diamond that practically slipped off her finger. I couldn't understand what I did wrong but apparently not even tall fat chicks wear size 9. Oops.

[–][deleted] ago

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[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 3 points4 points ago

Yes I've thought of this as well, but I just think he has some blinders a mile long around him. He's got tunnelvision and all he wants to see is the girl in the picture. But you bring up a good point, one time I walked in his room when he was on the phone with her and I swear he was either talking to a dude or a very manly woman. I was kind of stoned, but I don't think I was trippin.

[–]Pandajuice22 1 point2 points ago

Did you ever think that the "girlfriend" is a dude, and your brother knows that, but he's too ashamed to tell your family?

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 1 point2 points ago

This has been suggested already a few times, and no I don't think that. My family is pretty open and supportive I don't see any reason he would be ashamed to admit that.

[–]psychonavigator 12 points13 points ago

Tell him you want to watch a movie together.

Put in Catfish.

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 3 points4 points ago

That would be like watching porn in a room full of old ladies. I can't....imagine...too...awkward!

[–]BruceCambridge 23 points24 points ago

3 Years? Haven't the Skyped or anything that at least verifies that the girl actually exists in some type of format that resembles what she's told him? So isn't the question really just how much (if any) of what she tells him are lies? I mean, you know that its not some 45 year old man, don't you?

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 9 points10 points ago

Anythings possible I guess, and nope, no video chat. She sends pictures and uploads to facebook, but really how easy is it to steal pictures of a good looking gal off the internet? Especially from somewhere he would never think to look. And the question now isn't how much of her stories are lies, but how much are not. At this point, there's more evidence leading me to believe she is a total liar.

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 6 points7 points ago

No, but I will. How does this work exactly? Will a facebook picture work or does it have to be pictures sent directly like in a message or email?

[–]Saydrah 9 points10 points ago*

Just save the picture off her Facebook and upload it to Tineye. It's not perfect but if she got them say off ModelMayhem or some porn site, it should probably come up. Only real fear is she's stealing her pics from another Facebook friend who has privacy settings that won't let TinEye in, or they're from a site TinEye hasn't indexed yet.

PS. And update us! Especially with where she got them from if you find the originals!

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 10 points11 points ago

I just got the same suggestion and I think she is doing exactly that. Apparently she made up some fake friend profiles to make it look more legit, and my cousin just found a girl who she stole some pictures from to make one. And she has no idea who this girl is.

[–]theflamecrow 2 points3 points ago

Don't some images have like... tags about which camera took them and other details? I don't know what they're called or how easy it is to get rid of them, but it's also worth a shot to look into.

I think most modern cameras embed that kinda info.

[–]imanoctothorpe 4 points5 points ago

I believe you're looking for exif data. On a pc, right click the image > properties > summary > advanced. On a Mac, click the image once > command + i > more info

[–]theflamecrow 1 point2 points ago

Aye, if it's all different data/cameras that could raise red flags too, or possibly give you more data to go on... I'm not sure what exif data holds though. I know iPhone photos have location data if the location option is turned on.... Is that stored in exif?

[–]imanoctothorpe 0 points1 point ago

Camera manufacturer data is stored in exif data, as well as date and time, geolocation (if available), and a slew of other things (e.g. F-stop, exposure time, pixel dimensions, etc.)

At the very least, the manufacturer and date/time will be helpful. However, if the "girlfriend" is stealing photos from just one person, none of this data will look out of place

[–]Sissylala 1 point2 points ago

Facebook strips exif data you wont really be able to use the photos if they come from facebook.

If you find the source image using Google Image Search or Tineye you may be able to pull exif data of those images.

[–]Saydrah 15 points16 points ago

I just want to also say -- get your brother away from this allegedly-woman if you can, but remember that she's probably really, really lonely and possibly mentally ill. As hurt as your brother will be, she must be hurting just as badly to feel like she needs to make up a whole other identity and look out of the country for someone to love her. Press charges for the return of the engagement ring (in the US at least, a ring-buyer has the legal right to demand this is the marriage doesn't happen; not sure about Canada, but it should take one call to the police or equivalent of Attorney General's office in her province to find out) if you have to, but please resist the temptation to do anything like plastering her real identity all over /b/. Stick with the actual criminal justice system, where relevant, not the mob.

[–]mobilehypo 3 points4 points ago

That's state by state for the ring thing.

[–]DisregardMyPants 3 points4 points ago

No, but I will. How does this work exactly? Will a facebook picture work or does it have to be pictures sent directly like in a message or email?

Google Image search is better than tineye. Goto http://images.google.com, click the little camera next to the text box, and paste the url of one of her Facebook pictures.

[–]Sissylala 1 point2 points ago

I want to add real fast google image search is so much better than tineye lately.

http://images.google.com

Im the window, click the little camera and it will ask you to either paste a url or upload an image.

Ive been working on something where Ive had to find the source image. Each time, im able to use google image search, but Tin Eye doesnt produce anything for me.

[–]thetourist85 7 points8 points ago

So she won't video chat. Fine. You've said she uploads pictures to Facebook though. Have you not considered asking her to take a picture in which she's doing something specific - like holding a sign up with her name on it. I mean, if she knew your family had suspicions of her true identity and was actually legit, she would have no issue doing this.

I'm sorry but this whole situation sounds incredibly unhealthy. Devoting three years of one's life to what is essentially an instant messaging based relationship is not good, even if she wasn't based on a web of lies.

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 5 points6 points ago

Yeah we've tried this before. We told her to take a picture of herself with a sign that said "I love you" for my brothers birthday cake, but she caught wind of what was going on before we could get a pic with something more specific and said she didn't feel good and just wanted to go to bed. I couldn't agree more, she knows that my mom at least is suspicious but has done nothing to prove otherwise. Actually she hasn't talked to my mom since.

[–]jennylouwho 8 points9 points ago

ask for shoe on head.

[–]The_Justicer 32 points33 points ago

Your brother is an idiot.

[–]MexicanRedditor 4 points5 points ago

Came to say this.

[–]crowbarhamlincoln 15 points16 points ago

Curious what her excuses are for a) not Skyping, and b) not visiting or letting him visit. Three years is a lot of "I have to wash my hair". Assuming (s)he has any.

Does your brother have a history of mental illness?

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 10 points11 points ago

I think her excuse for not video chatting is the overwhelming complications of installing the driver that comes with a $20 webcam. Honestly idk what her excuse was, because it was my mom who offered to buy her one and send it to her. All I know is she basically said she couldn't. And he hasn't visited her because its on the other side of the continent basically (we live in Montana, and she claims to live in Prince Edward Island), and he doesn't have a lot of money to get there. On the other hand, she does have money, and comes from a family with some money, but the last time she was supposed to come down she was stopped from getting on the ferry by the police because she was wanted for assault on another girl who robbed her, or something like that, whatever. It's impossible to keep up with it all. Does love count as a mental illness? Because people will do some retarded shit when they are convinced they are in love with someone.

[–]Targo 7 points8 points ago

Yeah she's covering something up that's for sure. I used to live in PEI, and still live close to it and I've never heard of the police waiting at the ferry for someone, especially since they mostly use a bridge to get to the mainland. FYI: the bridge would be the best route to Montana because it goes west, and the ferry connection is more easterly.

[–]hexidecimals 5 points6 points ago

Look, if he has made no attempt to meet up with her, and seems okay without video-chatting, I would just leave it for now. Get concerned if she starts asking for money (her brain tumor has come back! But she can't afford the live-saving surgery!) or whatever, but for now he seems happy enough with the fantasy. I do not think the evidence you have so far is conclusive enough to really shake him out of it anyway.

(When things get more shady, then you can use the ~power of reddit~ to get more conclusive proof & find out her real identity, and take her down! Fun.)

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 1 point2 points ago

This is why I came here! Reddit is a powerful beast. I'll try to persuade him, since I've never said anything to him about it, but idk how that will go over. What would be considered conclusive proof? I don't know how much more I need to dig up before I talk to him about it.

[–]gabboishere 12 points13 points ago

Give us her information.

Yes...give it to us.

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 2 points3 points ago

All of it?

[–]karebearwsu 13 points14 points ago

normally i would not advocate for something like this, but i'd be willing to wager if you posted this on a larger subreddit (askreddit, or one of the help threads?), you'll end up finding someone who lives in the same town as her and can volunteer to at least check out the address. That or someone else who can suggest some sort of genius scheme to expose her.

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 4 points5 points ago

I posted on askreddit, but got nothing. I think it was due to the title, so I would have to post with something a little more clever. Any Ideas?

[–]readforit 6 points7 points ago

how about "Help! My little brother is about to get eaten by his fiance!"

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 3 points4 points ago

*older brother, but this just might work! To the reddits!

[–]gabboishere 6 points7 points ago

Yesssss...give it to usss.

[–]developmental 4 points5 points ago

myyyyyy preccciousssssssss.

[–]soda_pops 2 points3 points ago

It will take reddit about 5 mins to have everything you need (once you give the information).

[–][deleted] ago

[deleted]

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 3 points4 points ago

I tried that and the only thing that comes up is a bunch of people with the same color shirt and hair. And actually no, he's had girlfriends before, but unfortunately they've always left him down in the dumps. I could see why so many people wonder if he is mentally unstable, but if anything I would say it's a matter of emotional stability. Have you actually seen someone brought to light who was doing this? I have the facebook of the girl who I'm almost sure is trolling him, but I want to be 100% positive. Her name is the same and she lives in the town that comes up when we searched her phone number and IP address. Is it really illegal to act like you're someone you're not over the internet? Even if its not for any financial gain?

[–]ashrevolts 7 points8 points ago

I'd argue an engagement ring is financial gain.

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 3 points4 points ago

Hmmm good point, I forgot about that detail.

[–]serupento 3 points4 points ago

I am not a legal expert, but I'm pretty sure that still constitutes fraud. Also, ring. If it weren't for the stupid ring, though, i'd say leave it alone and let him ride this out.

[–]thisismyjam 1 point2 points ago

no way, perverted justice does it all the time

[–]quicklookleft 4 points5 points ago

Give me her adduced I can troll her back!

[–]terrifiedsleeptwitch 2 points3 points ago

adduced

Sent from your smartphone, I take it?

[–]quicklookleft 2 points3 points ago

Indeed, I meant addy.

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 1 point2 points ago

What if she trolls you? It would be trollception!

[–]long_wang_big_balls 3 points4 points ago

the hero doctor chatted with my brother on AIM right after surgery

Yeah....because that happens. People don't even try any more.

[–]keepinithamsta 12 points13 points ago*

Why would he buy her an engagement ring without meeting her? Does he have low enough brain functions that you're able to get a court order for power of attorney and control over his bank account so he stops doing stupid shit like that? This is just dumb. I can't even offer you legitimate advice for something so stupid.

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 4 points5 points ago

You're right you can't.

[–]readforit 3 points4 points ago

who in their right mind downvotes this?

[–]keepinithamsta 2 points3 points ago

People who don't want to hear things put so blunt or think you can do something to sway him. Maybe I should have just said "nothing will work". I'm not trolling here but I'm also not holding anything back. People aren't helping by giving false hope.

I could've suggested the tineye/google images search. He's just going to think you're setting him up or she's attractive enough for people to steal her pictures.

Something like this isn't going to be fixed. I've seen someone knowingly give money to her boyfriend so he could fly out to see his ex. He broke up with her as he was leaving and begged for her back when he returned. They are going to get married in June. People do stupid shit to try and maintain a relationship. Some people can put up with a worst case scenario. Most of those situations the people are deserving the heartache because of what they are ignoring. This is one of those situations.

TL;DR: The downvote brigade can fuck off.

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 0 points1 point ago

By the way you were/are wrong. I upvoted you out of pity.

[–]keepinithamsta 0 points1 point ago

I'm glad I was proven wrong in this situation because it was quite depressing.

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 0 points1 point ago

Hey me too. You are right tho, people do crazy things to keep their relationships afloat. But being so cynical can also be quite depressing. Cheers

[–]serupento 1 point2 points ago

and this is why I keep disagreeing with the people telling them to butt out.

[–]AsmaClementine 6 points7 points ago

I'm very confused on two specific things...

How in the world have they been talking for three years and he's never skyped with her? Is he not curious in the slightest?

Also, you mentioned somewhere in the thread that while you have the girls 'real' facebook you haven't shown him....why not? Why has nobody asked how she wears a size 9 ring? Why has nobody been talking to him at all?

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 2 points3 points ago

1) Its beyond me. I guess he's content with chatting and still images? Maybe he's afraid to find out the truth and would just rather remain comfortable in the situation they're in now. 2) We just found the "real" girls facebook today so its probably about time to present the solid evidence. Obviously his mind chooses not to question the apparent, like the abnormally large ring finger, or anything else that requires him to question her credibility.

[–]libbykino 4 points5 points ago

You keep saying things like you "guess" this is how he feels/thinks about the evidence. Why do you have to guess? What are his actual thoughts regarding these matters when you point them out blatantly to his face? Like when you say to him "don't you think it's odd that she refuses to skype with you after 3 years even though mom bought her a webcam and mailed it to her?" what are the next words that come out of his mouth?

Or have you not actually had any of these conversations with him? If you're just waiting for him to "notice" all of these connections on his own, it's not going to happen. You actually have to have a frank conversation with him and tell him all of the things you're telling us. He may know all of these facts individually, since he's the one that told them to you, but don't assume that he can see them all together in concert as a big picture as easily as you and we all can.

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 0 points1 point ago

I haven't said anything about it to him, mostly to avoid any uncomfortable feelings between us, but as I said, It's probably about time to present some concrete evidence. My mom suggested making a list to lay it all out for him to see at once, which in part is why I started this thread. I agree with you 100%, individually these facts aren't changing his viewpoints on the subject, which is why I'm going to a family members today so we can sit him down and tell him every single thing that is wrong with this story. And the webcam was never sent or even bought for that matter, simply because we know she wouldn't use it. If we did get one and send it to her, my prediction is that it would conveniently get lost in the mail. I wonder if they make a spy camera embedded in an engagement ring that transmits across the globe? Man that would save a shit ton of trouble.

[–]whiteblankpage2011 3 points4 points ago

It is a scam for sure. I'll tell you a bit of my experience with online dating: I dated this guy from Brazil online for like one year. He fed me lies throughout the whole relationship and became more and more controlling and verbally abusive. He wouldn't let me hang out with family or friends. He even faked a suicide attempt to get my attention. Needless to say the relationship did not end well and I had to get a protection order to force him to leave me alone. Please tell your brother to be careful.

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 1 point2 points ago

Sounds very familiar. Not the abusive part but definitely controlling. And not in a mean way at all, but she can't stand him hanging out with anyone. Every time he has some plans to do something for more than a day or to, some crisis pops up out of nowhere. And I mean crisis, not just some sort of inconvenience. Like parents dying kind of crisis. I mean parents die all the time, but they don't always fake their death. Which both of her parents managed to do. (Allegedly)

[–]mobilehypo 4 points5 points ago*

I didn't even wear a size 9 ring when I was 320 pounds at 5'7". I can show you photos if need be.

[–]BarrelAss 3 points4 points ago

Can you post some pictures of you laying on the bed in a thong with a strip of thick bacon sitting on your ass?

[–]ibelimb 1 point2 points ago

I assume this is for verification purposes... of course?

[–]omarfw 3 points4 points ago

That's not being trolled. That's called being scammed.

Oh well, some people have to have life bite them in the ass harder than others to learn their lesson.

Your brother is sinking to some pretty serious levels of ignorance just to have a girlfriend. I admire his tenacity but not his stupidity.

[–]devils0508 6 points7 points ago

Can't he just skype with her? If she says she doesn't have a cam, buy her one for $20 bucks. This should be easy to uncover.

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 14 points15 points ago

Keyword "should". We tried this once but she just wouldn't have anything to do with a real-time video chat. You'd think this alone would raise a red flag, amirite?

[–]the_gubernaculum 5 points6 points ago

yes

[–]readforit 10 points11 points ago

it should have raised a red planet!

[–]devils0508 3 points4 points ago

I'd highlight this fact to ur bro

[–]slackmt 7 points8 points ago

Im another family member...She claims that her pc is so old and so full of viruses that she cannot hook one up to it; that the library allows no ipods, webcams, or any other devises; the internet cafes have you use only your own equiptment; she has no family around there that she "trusts" enough to use their computers.etc., etc... And it just so happens that the last two laptops he has had,(used)have no built in web cam. She has had him convinced that it is just a huge thing, then she gets the, "oh everyones picking on me!" whenever we try to push it. Then she will have a life changing trauma to get his full attention.

[–]wolgan 6 points7 points ago

This is out of left field a little bit, but is it possible your brother is gay? That he knows that the person he's talking to isn't who they say but it gives him a viable excuse to continue in a relationship with someone he knows the family would not approve of, or that he thinks they wouldn't approve of?

The fact that you walked in on him and thought you heard him talking to a guy and the ring finger thing not fazing him are what made me wonder. Depending on the environment he lives in (family, church, etc), looking like an idiot that's being played by some girl in Canada might sound better to him than being thought of as gay.

Just an alternate theory..

[–][deleted] ago

[deleted]

[–]wolgan 3 points4 points ago

No worries, was just one way I interpreted it based on what I read and thought I could bring a different perspective that no one else had suggested. You guys know him, I, being a random person on the internet, sure as hell don't. :)

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 1 point2 points ago

Well anything is possible, but I highly doubt it. I was half joking when I said I thought I heard him talking to a guy, I really don't know what was up with that. Maybe she had a cold? Or was talking in a low voice for jokes? It was weird tho, not gonna lie. I'm sure I was just jumping to conclusions

[–]wolgan 2 points3 points ago

More than fair, like I said, way out of left field.. :)

It's a swing... And a miss!

[–]lollan 2 points3 points ago

How old is your brother ?

Your brother needs medical helps but before getting there there's one thing that can be done.

Make him sit down and have your father (or mother it doesn't matter) say this to him in front of everyone : "Son, you've been involve with this girl for 3 years now, we are sorry that we went behond your back making accusation about her but we just can't understand why in 3 years, she never wanted to meet you or us for that matter, so we've all decided to go see her right now. Pack your bags we are going in an hour".

You need of course to make the preparations and also to be firm and avoid any bs that your brother will come up with. You all need to be calm and collected, put your feelings aside and be resolute about going over there and meet this girl. After all you have her address and she's not that far.

That's what I would try to do.

Good luck and try to keep us posted !

PS: I for one am ready to go fucked up her twitter and FB if that becomes necessary.

[–]kielbasa330 2 points3 points ago

Conspiracy Keanu: what if the girl is real, and this story is made up?

[–]_M4TTH3W_ 1 point2 points ago

I live in Canada.
If you want I'll look into this for you.

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 1 point2 points ago

In what province? If my plan to intervene and slap some sense into him (metaphorically of course) fails, then I have no choice but to release the reddit hounds on this chick. I don't feel any remorse in putting her information up for everyone to see, under one condidtion: DO NOT DIRECTLY CONTACT HER (yet), And I really mean this, because if my cover is blown before I find the real girl then my brother will likely never forgive me, or at least for a long time. Also this thread will die in its infancy, and that would be a sad day. If he doesn't come to his senses by tonight, then I will be posting. EDIT: this post is applicable to everyone reading this thread, not just you M4ttH3W

[–]_M4TTH3W_ 1 point2 points ago

I live Ontario.

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 0 points1 point ago

She claims to reside in Prince Edward Island, but I'm almost sure she lives in Novia Scotia. I want 100% concrete evidence that the girl I think is fooling him is the right person. Here's my reasoning: a family member traced her phone number and IP address which came up from Digby, NS. The jobs she claimed she used to work at don't even exist in the town she says she lives in. Nobody from the school she said she went to knows who she is. The place she says she currently works at has a full listing of employees and members on their website, and she is nowhere on either list. My brother had the ring sent to Digby, NS. There is a facebook profile of a girl with the same exact name from Digby, who I haven't attempted to contact as to not expose myself. I think shes made up multiple facebook accounts for friends in the town she claims to live in, to make it appear more legit. She is friends, on facebook not only with all of my family members, but even my brothers ex-girlfriends, and their family members (not all but some). I really need all the solid evidence I can get before we talk to him today so there are no holes in my theory.

[–]Enphuego 2 points3 points ago

*cough* /r/PEI *cough*

[–]_M4TTH3W_ 1 point2 points ago

Holy fuck.
You might be able to hire a P.I. to look into this for you.

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 0 points1 point ago

If I had the money to spare, I would in a heartbeat. Hopefully he takes into consideration everything my family and I have found, so this can just end, because honestly its quite exhausting thinking about this anymore. If he doesn't then I'm left with no choice, in my opinion, but to let the fine folks of the internet track her down and uncover the truth. Is there any credible/trustworthy Reddit P.I.'s that are known for this kind of thing?

[–]_M4TTH3W_ 1 point2 points ago

Not that I know of.
An Internet mob can be a scary thing to unleash though.
Has the US or CDN police/government agencies been of any use in this?
I'm not sure what laws might be broken here, but that might be an option to consider as well.

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 0 points1 point ago

Exactly, I would like to believe if I put her name on here I can get some extra information, which I'm sure I will, but all it takes is one idiot to fuck it all up. If she is lying about her identity, and is receiving gifts, then there has to be some sort of law against that. We have tried to call the local PD where she lives, to see if she is on record, but no answer :(

[–]_M4TTH3W_ 1 point2 points ago

Maybe your local police can offer some advice, or a lawyer.

[–]Marmaladez 1 point2 points ago

Post an update in the original text waaay up there so everyone can see! :)

[–]sry4partying 17 points18 points ago

Your brother is in a 3 year long internet relationship and your mom uses yahoo questions. Is your dad a youtube commenter? The internet does not need your family.

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 22 points23 points ago

Is this supposed to be helpful?

[–]Emolotricity 34 points35 points ago

That guy's a dick, but I did laugh :(

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 4 points5 points ago

So did I! its a shame hes way down there in the vote pond. I upvoted for effort :/

[–]Emolotricity 5 points6 points ago

In all seriousness, you can do very little/nothing about this situation, other than refusing to support/enable it and trying to persuade the man.

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 2 points3 points ago

Yeah you're absolutely right. I just hope he understands why I would go through all this to expose her, even if he chooses not to believe me. He's my only blood brother, and you gotta do what you gotta do.

[–]wezzer -2 points-1 points ago

your that 'one guy'.

[–]warehousedude 3 points4 points ago

He's an adult. Leave him alone and let him learn the hard way, as it seems that's what it will take.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points ago

How old is your brother? I assume you have already voiced your concerns to him. Honestly, your family seems a little over-involved if he's an adult. Is it possible that he's actually more invested in the relationship as a reaction to everyone's nay-saying? He's a big boy. He has all the information he needs to know that she's full of shit, and for whatever reason, he's choosing not to see what's right in front of his face. You can't expose her any more than she already has, and do you really want to play this sick game?

You should let him have his fantasy. He obviously intends to do so over your objections anyway. If he goes to meet her somewhere, see if he'll tell you where/when as a safety measure (NOT so you can go spy.)

Just don't lend him any money for the wedding.

P.S. Those are some big hands.

[–]redtheda 2 points3 points ago

For reals. I'm a woman with really big hands - I wear large sized gloves, my hands are larger than several of the men I've dated, and I'm overweight, but my ring finger size is still just an 8.

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 0 points1 point ago

You are right he is a big boy (24 years), but some people remain immature to these things far into adulthood. His reaction isn't a stronger investment just total denial. He spends just as much time chatting with her as ever, and the things we've found out about her are beyond anything we have voiced to him. In his eyes, everything she says is golden, but I know for a fact she is a totally different person than she says. Not only where she lives and the outrageous stories, but her physical appearance. I'm very concerned because he's my brother and though he is an adult, he is still a kid at heart (btw he lives at home, so its not like were prying into his private life. He puts it all out there for everyone to see, and I believe its only natural to start questioning after so long and so many unbelievable stories). And he doesn't have ALL the information, because, as I said, we've found the imposter on facebook (the one with the fat hands), which we have not shown him yet. Its been a while since anyone in my family has asked him about it, up until recently when my mom accidentally posted a question on yahoo answers, which she seen.
I'm just not sure if its right to show him what I believe is definite proof, or as you said let him live his fantasy. Its quite the game for someone to play on an innocent guy, because he's had his heart broken several times before this. I think he's afraid to even confront the fact she might be lying, and I know the longer the relationship is, the harder it will be when we ultimately finds out the truth.

[–]twonomore 10 points11 points ago

Are you sure your brother is not the one trolling you and your family?

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 11 points12 points ago

hahahaha it would go down in history as the greatest troll ever. Has anyone pulled off a troll of this magnitude? What am I talking about this is the internet

[–]qgyh2 4 points5 points ago

Are you sure it's not you, trolling us ;)?

[–]pie-oh-my 7 points8 points ago

lol so meta

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 1 point2 points ago

Harry Potter wrote some good books man

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 0 points1 point ago

I wish I could write stories this good. Harry potter wouldn't stand a chance

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points ago

You must be the older sibling? You sound very protective of him. When you say he is immature and a kid at heart, do you mean he has a mental disability? If so, maybe you have more of a responsibility to protect him from this woman. If not, not so much.

We all have to learn the hard way, and unfortunately it sounds like your brother is about to learn a very hard lesson. Unless you're some kind of genius internet spy, he has all the information available to him. He doesn't want it, for some reason.

If he asks for your opinion, be honest with him. Otherwise, I'd let him learn his lesson. Unless you really think he is in physical danger, it sounds like you've already made it clear that you think she is an imposter (even though you have more proof now).

Go ahead and show him the Facebook imposter if you like, but be prepared for him to a) accuse you of butting in where you're not wanted and b) remain in denial, especially if the name isn't unique.

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 7 points8 points ago

Actually, I'm his younger brother. I'm 20, but I've always felt that I was a little more mature than him in some ways. I don't think he is any physical danger (right now anyways, who knows how psycho she is), and he's definitely not mentally disabled, but either way I do feel somewhat responsible just as a brother.

[–][deleted] 11 points12 points ago

Your responsibility as a brother: Buy him a few rounds after he meets the 5'3" 98 lb. princess with the size 9 ring finger.

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 5 points6 points ago

You realize that would be an anomaly right? I don't know if I would be able to stop staring at her fat finger long enough to do anything of the sort.

[–][deleted] 4 points5 points ago

I meant when he came back to cry about what she really looks like, but if you want to accompany him on that sad adventure then by all means, go for it.

I'm 5'4"/130 with a size 6 ring finger. I can't imagine what a 9 looks like on a girl that tiny.

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 1 point2 points ago

My bad, I didn't catch that. I doubt it will go that far, I mean she says she lives in PEI, and I know she lives in Novia Scotia so a trip to see her would be a wild goose chase. Thanks for the reference tho, I just hope she doesn't have elephantitus of the finger. I'd feel really bad then

[–]absoluten00b 1 point2 points ago

Efff'n Canadians eh!

[–]silenta 1 point2 points ago

Amen. I'm 5'8/145 and I wear a size 7 - and I have big hands.

[–][deleted] ago

[deleted]

[–]LePetitChou 4 points5 points ago

Well, the good times may roll over his bank account.

Hey, maybe a weekend in Vegas with hookers? He'll at least get laid while he's getting fucked.

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] -1 points0 points ago

Wiser words may have never been typed

[–]Marmaladez 0 points1 point ago

Please say Saskatchewan. I "know" crazy bitches that live there.

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 8 points9 points ago

I think Saskatchewan means "crazy bitches live here" in spanish, right?. Or was it "whales vagina", I can't remember.

[–]wolgan 2 points3 points ago

Best line in the thread...

[–]ihighlydoubtit 1 point2 points ago

What can you do? He has all the same info that you do and he chooses to continue the relationship. He's 24? BUTT OUT. Seriously. He will only come to resent you for doubting him and the online girlfriend. I know you mean well but he knows how you feel and he's not making any changes. If he doesn't know everything that you know then get the info to him and drop it.

[–]Jellorage 1 point2 points ago

Do an intervention. Have all your worried family members there so he has to listen. He is not the first person this has happened to, there are many stories on the internet and they all have some things in common. (She never agreed to meet me, she lied about x and y etc.) Find all the stories that are similar to this, print them and have him read them. You might even be able to find someone this has happened to who's willing to talk to him.

Also have ready all the proof you have, about the fake facebook profiles, any story of hers you can prove fake, anything you have.

A couple years ago I saw a thing on tv where they interviewed people who had fallen in love with people who didn't exist over the internet. Maybe you could find something like this to show him?

I hope things turn out okay in the end.

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 0 points1 point ago

I have something like this planned for tomorrow, but it's not going to be my whole family. I'm visiting a cousin out of town, (who has been doing most of the research online), and we are going to sit him down and lay it all out for him. Do you remember what show you were watching where the people fell in love with the fakesters?

[–]mobilehypo 2 points3 points ago

Man keep us updated.

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 1 point2 points ago

It's going down tomorrow! If he doesn't believe me after the pile of evidence we show him then I hope the fine people of reddit will help show him whats up.

[–]silenta 1 point2 points ago

Please keep us updated.

[–]KittyttiK 1 point2 points ago

With the ring it does sound like it could possibly constitute some type of fraud, also I'm not sure if this cyber-harassment Montana state law applies, but it may (I listed only the sub-section that could apply).

  • Mont. Code Ann. § 45-8-213 45-8-213. Privacy in communications. (1) Except as provided in 69-6-104, a person commits the offense of violating privacy in communications if the person knowingly or purposely: ... (b) uses an electronic communication to attempt to extort money or any other thing of value from a person or to disturb by repeated communications the peace, quiet, or right of privacy of a person at the place where the communications are received;

[–]thalonelydonkeykong[S] 0 points1 point ago

I'm not sure about his feelings on the law aspect of this, but thank you for finding this. The ring actually wasn't too expensive, but again this is good to know.

[–]raccoon_onthemoon 1 point2 points ago

Give him the information you found and let him fight his own battle. Don't make him feel stupid because he'll be more likely to push you away. Why not plan a trip up to see her?

[–]duffmanhb 1 point2 points ago

Get your brother to send her a gift webcam. That way, she has to skype with him via camera, and there is no way around it...

[–]wolgan 1 point2 points ago

Nah, she'll just say it got messed up in shipping doesn't work, blah blah, company won't reimburse her etc. It sounds like she's got a story for any contingency.

[–]Enphuego 0 points1 point ago

I'm not entirely convinced it's a scam. If this was a financial scam, it would have moved to the point where she was extracting money by now. I mean I don't believe the story, but she easily could be a very real person that lives where she says she lives. She may even love your brother. She probably pulled the pictures from a profile of one of her friends because she's a rather large, insecure girl. Maybe she did fall off of a 4 wheeler and exaggerated the story.

I don't see the point in confronting your brother over it. If you back him into a corner, there is no telling what he will do. People have been holding onto similarly indefensible ideas for millions of years and logic hasn't been very effective on that either.

If you can afford it, get your brother and yourself airplane tickets to go see this girl so he can ask her to marry him in person. Of course you'll know that things aren't going to work out well, but proposing in person should get him on the plane. Be there for your brother when she turns out not to be who she says she is. If it does't turn out well, you can spend a few days up there relaxing and then head back after he's had some time to process. Be a good brother and take the details with you to your grave.

[–]loudothedew -1 points0 points ago

"she"