Love Scams: My Mother Chose Her Catfish over Her Family Dr. Phil : Season 12 Episode 37

For more than a year, 65-year-old widow Gilda says she has been in a romantic relationship with “Eric,” whom she met online and has yet to meet in person or even speak to over the phone. She admits she’s sent Eric tens of thousands of dollars — nearly draining her life savings and even selling the family home, in part, to come up with the funds. She says Eric has promised to pay her back, as soon as he returns to the U.S. from London. Gilda’s sons, Paul and Cary, and daughter-in-law, Linda, believe Gilda has fallen victim to a catfish, or online imposter, and they fear she’ll end up bankrupt and homeless. Cary says his mom has been acting like a lovesick teenager — hiding her cell phone to conceal her communications with Eric, lying about what she’s doing and where she’s going — and even sending him topless photos! He says he has gotten so frustrated that he has kicked her out of his home. Is Gilda being duped? Dr. Phil enlists the help of private investigator Doug Lane to track down details on “Eric.” Plus, he has two surprises for Gilda. Is she ready for the truth? And, tune in tomorrow to see what happens when Dr. Phil confronts a catfish, in-studio. Why did she carry out such a deception?