A 19-year-old woman from Aberdare, Wales, has been awarded £10,000 in compensation after her photos were used to create fake profiles on multiple social media platforms. Sasha-Jay Davies had her identity stolen by Elha Mai Weston, who engaged in what the High Court described as “a sustained campaign of online impersonation.”
Fake Profiles Across Multiple Platforms
Weston created fake accounts on Hinge, TikTok, Tinder, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and SoundCloud, amassing more than 100,000 followers between 2022 and 2026. Davies was just 16 years old when the first profile was created. Despite reporting the account and making her own profile private, the problem migrated to other platforms.
Weston operated the accounts under the fictitious identities “Sophie” and “Sophie Kadare,” often using AI-generated pictures to lure men into romantic relationships. The court heard that Davies was approached on multiple occasions by members of the public who believed they had “a genuine connection” with her. One man approached Davies believing she was his girlfriend after months of exchanging messages with one of Weston’s fake accounts.
Impact on the Victim
Davies told the BBC that the situation made her feel “anxious” to leave her home. “I used to go out a lot but now I hardly ever go out because I'm scared what man is going to approach me next. It is terrifying to be confronted over something you didn't do and to realise someone is using your face to manipulate others,” she said. Davies added that around 20 men and several women had reached out to her on social media believing they knew her.
Legal Resolution and Apology
The court was told that Weston accepted her “conduct was wrongful” and “acknowledges the significant distresses and suffering” she had caused Davies. The order read that “Ms Weston deeply regrets her actions and apologises to Ms Davies wholeheartedly and unreservedly for everything she has been put through.” Under a Tomlin order, a type of civil justice agreement, Weston will pay Davies £10,000 in compensation and has agreed not to repeat her conduct. Weston could be found in contempt of court if she breaches the terms of the agreement.
