Adults won’t leave me alone after they found out I was a catfish. What do i do. help
I’m 17F in California and I’ve messed up. For the past year, I had a fake online persona whom I got photos/videos from a girl’s public social media profiles/some of her friends (never hacked or did anything malicious to get these things, everything was online and I was just good at keeping up with this fake identity I basically created. Well during this, I made friends I really, truly cared about. I never meant for it to go this far, but I got stuck in the lie for about a year now because I didn't want to lose them. Now that they know the truth, I feel terrible. I’ve deleted everything and apologized to everyone as well as the girl whose photos I used since she got notified as well. But I’m just paralyzed by guilt and fear.
I have blocked almost everyone now because most of these adults kept contacting me to "demand answers." They basically all threatening to get the police involved and everyone involved are all most likely in a group chat, investigating and perhaps trying to find my real identity. I even got a message where someone would fly to my house and “hell will be dealt with” and js little things that can seem like threats.
The Facts:
• Ages: I am 17. Everyone else is an adult (20-25+) and they live in different states and countries. Most relationships I made, they were all really good friends of mine, one was a romantic connection in which I got voluntarily sent explicit photos (I never asked for them nor did I send any back) but thats why I feel so bad, I wouldn’t want anything to happen to her, even though I think adults should always verify before sending stuff like that)
• Money/Gifts: I never asked for money or made up "fake emergencies." One person I made friends with voluntarily Apple Paid me small amounts of their own choice but that ended months ago, I dont know if that person even knows about this yet. Another person, the romantic connection, we would always send eachother small gifts, but they recently gave me a $150 gift. I am mailing the it back with a tracking number really soon though, so I’d send her proof that I’m returning it.
• Their Reaction: Even though I’ve apologized and am returning the property, they won't stop. They are making it seem like “fraud" and like I did something crazy illegal even though all I did was make friendships. Still, it was such a terrible thing to do and now I see that.
They have my first name, phone number, and address from when the gift was sent.
• I have not responded to any messages for about 36 hours. And I blocked everyone after another message I got from one of the friendships I had made, for my own good and for them. I wouldn’t want them to keep basically harassing a minor since I already did everything I can do fix this. Everyone is just really hurt and shocked but I understand.
I just want to move on and focus on my real life, but the constant threats of "police" and "exposure" are making me panic. Is there a possibility something can actually happen?! Would it be worth it for them? Costs are crazy. I just made a huge mistake and I want to move on.
Posted Feb 23, 2026, 5:55 AM UTC