Dr. Phil

Love Scams: I Married a Catfish over the Phone (12x159)

Air date: May 16, 2014

Fifty-five-year-old Joy says three months ago, she “heart married” her online boyfriend, “Donny,” over the phone and is looking forward to meeting him in person for the first time — at their official wedding, later this year. She says Donny told her he’s a millionaire who owns a mansion, with servants, in Alabama — but he’s currently being kept in Egypt, against his will, by the U.S. Air Force. Joy admits she has sent Donny tens of thousands of dollars, because he claims the military won’t pay for his medical care — but is that even possible? Dr. Phil enlists the help of a private investigator and other experts to verify Donny’s claims — is Joy being scammed? Plus, see what happens when a Dr. Phil producer travels to Alabama to search for Donny’s mansion. Then, former guest Sandie returns with an update — and some words of wisdom for Joy. How has she moved forward since learning she was scammed by a catfish?