Sasha-Jay Davies, 19, from Aberdare, had her photographs stolen to catfish men on Instagram and TikTok, and has been confronted in the street by victims who were targeted using her images.
Four-Year Ordeal
The mental health nursing student discovered the impersonation after noticing multiple accounts using her pictures. She is often approached by strangers over missed dates she knew nothing about. The impersonator, using the name "Sophie Kadare," gained 81,000 followers on TikTok and 22,000 on Instagram, posting Davies' photos alongside images of other women's bodies.
High Court documents identified the impersonator as Elha Mai Weston, who posed as Davies to initiate romantic conversations. Weston has apologised and agreed to pay £10,000 in compensation.
Impact on Daily Life
Davies said: "People approach me in real life believing that they have been talking to me and I've had to defend myself against conversations I have never had. When somebody weaponizes your identity online your safety in the real world disappears."
She first encountered the account at age 16 in 2022. Locals contacted her about a fraudulent TikTok account using her images. Davies reported it to police but was told little could be done. Instagram and dating sites like Tinder and Hinge also used her photos. About 20 men and several women have contacted her, convinced they recognise her.
Escalation and Legal Action
The impersonator created fake profiles of friends to comment, posted about her late father, and reposted racial slurs. Davies' boyfriend received messages from men questioning his relationship. Davies recalled: "I was having people texting me trying to get me to admit that I was behind the fake account."
Despite making her accounts private, the thief used old and AI-edited images under the name Sophie Kadare. Davies repeatedly flagged the accounts, but the impersonator blocked her friends and family. The accounts have now been removed.
Police initially said nothing could be done, but after Davies shared her ordeal on Facebook, an investigation began. She said: "Our lives have become so digital that the systems meant to protect us haven't caught up."
Davies initiated High Court proceedings through Cohen Davis Solicitors. The matter was resolved via a court statement where Weston acknowledged her conduct was wrongful and apologised. South Wales Police said they are investigating the identity theft. TikTok confirmed the account was removed for violating community guidelines.
