In an era where digital communication often blurs the lines between reality and deception, Wanda Stevens Reilly’s new book, “You Have Been Catfished,” stands as a poignant and timely reminder of the dangers lurking online. Inspired by her personal ordeal, the book recounts Reilly’s experience with a catfishing scam that left her financially and emotionally devastated.
As a divorced mother of two adult sons, Reilly found herself targeted by a man posing as a decorated army sergeant. The scammer, using a stolen identity and fabricated stories, manipulated Reilly into believing she was helping a hero in need. Over time, she was swindled out of her hard-earned money. Initially too embarrassed to share her story, Reilly eventually decided to write “You Have Been Catfished” to help others avoid falling into similar traps.
The author, who has a background as a medical coder and now works as a key carrier manager and customer experience coordinator at Marshall’s, reflects on her journey from shame to empowerment. “At first, I didn’t want anyone to know that I was swindled out of my hard-earned money,” she admits. “Then I thought about how many more people this has happened to; and I thought that if I wrote about what happened, maybe—just maybe—I could prevent someone else from giving their money away to someone who is trying to catfish them.”
Reilly’s move from New Hampshire to Tennessee marked a turning point in her life, allowing her to start anew while processing the trauma of being scammed. Her book is not just a recount of events but a heartfelt plea to others to remain vigilant and cautious. She shares the emotional toll of the experience, including the repossession of her car and the necessity of relying on friends and family for support. “I was blessed to have friends and family, and I had a roof over my head and clothes on my body,” she says.
What makes “You Have Been Catfished” unique is its raw, unfiltered presentation. Reilly includes the text exchanges with the scammer, offering readers a firsthand look at how such deceptions unfold. “I never spoke to this man, not once, but I did give him money, thinking I was speaking to an army sergeant,” she reveals. This decision to include the real text messages adds a layer of authenticity and immediacy to her story.
The book also touches on the broader implications of online scams, highlighting how they exploit the trust and goodwill of individuals. Reilly’s narrative is a call to action for readers to be more discerning about who they interact with online, especially when financial transactions are involved. “Beware of who you’re speaking to online, especially if you’ve never talked to them or seen them,” she advises.
Despite the pain and betrayal, Reilly’s story is ultimately one of resilience and hope. She married a wonderful man, William Michael, a veteran who tragically passed away but left her with the strength to share her story. His encouragement and a timely referral to Newman Springs Publishing helped bring her book to life. “William Michael gave me the number to call Newman Springs, and that’s what started this book,” she says.
“You Have Been Catfished” is not just a warning but a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to recover and thrive. Throughout the book, Reilly expresses gratitude to those who supported her during her darkest times. She thanks Newman Springs Publishing, her friends, her family, and everyone who helped her along the way.
As she prepares to move to Arkansas for a new job opportunity, Reilly remains hopeful that her book will reach those who need it most. “I hope and pray that this book gets in the right hands and that someone who’s going through the same thing I am now will find out sooner than later that they’re being catfished,” she concludes.
Wanda Stevens Reilly’s “You Have Been Catfished” is a compelling read that offers both cautionary advice and a beacon of hope for anyone who has faced or fears the prospect of online scams. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of vigilance, resilience, and the strength found in sharing one’s truth.
Book Link: https://a.co/d/5tF3230