Netflix viewers make plea to others after watching hit new true crime documentary
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The latest true crime documentary on Netflix, titled Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare, draws inspiration from a popular podcast of the same name and has quickly gained popularity on the streaming service.
Nonetheless, numerous audience members have been urging others to take action after seeing the movie.
The documentary tells the story of Kirat Assi, who fell victim to a complex catfishing scheme on Facebook that took place from 2009 to 2018.
The scam included as many as 60 individuals, each with their own made-up identities created by the scam artist's distorted mind. At the heart of this scheme was Bobby Jandu, an attractive cardiologist from the Sikh community in west London, who was indeed a real person. However, he wasn't the one communicating with Kirat; it was actually her cousin, Simran Bhogal, posing as him.
The scam was so extensive that Kirat genuinely thought she was engaged to Jandu, even though they had never actually met. The boldness, intricacy, and magnitude of the deception are what truly astonish people about Sweet Bobby. The 2021 podcast has been reported to have over a million listeners worldwide.
In her assessment, Kate Rosseinsky from The Independent said, “This is a well-crafted and thoughtful introduction to an astonishing story. However, primarily, it feels like an extended preview for a podcast that offers a much deeper and more engaging exploration of the subject.”
For those unfamiliar with the podcast, watching Sweet Bobby for the first time on Netflix was a shocking experience. Many viewers were left astonished by how long Bhodal managed to carry out the scam without being caught.
A viewer commented, "I’m checking out this new Netflix documentary titled Sweet Bobby. It’s filled with one shocking moment after another."
Another person remarked, "Are you serious? No one spotted the fake Facebook accounts that had the real names and current pictures of actual individuals? Over the span of almost a decade, didn’t anyone take a moment to search for Bobby or Sanj and think, ‘Wait a minute, is this you too?’”
A third viewer expressed their discomfort, saying: "Sweet Bobby should have a warning at the start and a helpline listed at the end because what the heck? I thought I was going to enjoy a story about another Tinder scammer, but instead, I watched this girl struggle as her cousin messed up her life for fun."
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While the movie delves into the intricacies of the case, many who heard the podcast recommended that others check it out instead.
One viewer urged others to check out the podcast, saying, “The movie doesn't capture the complexity of this situation. I highly suggest giving the podcast a listen. It provides much more detail and truly emphasizes the efforts Bobby made. #SweetBobby.”
One more person commented, “Hey everyone, the podcast is even more mind-blowing! What we saw on Netflix only scratches the surface.”
One dissatisfied viewer commented, “I really didn’t like Sweet Bobby on Netflix. I recommend checking out the podcast instead, as it dives deep into the complex manipulation and planning behind the deceit. It made me feel genuinely sorry for Kirat. In contrast, the Netflix documentary made her seem foolish.”
You can now watch "Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare" on Netflix.
The Cyber Helpline features a specific section on catfishing and online romance scams. If you suspect that you could be in danger of falling for a scam, you'll find advice on how to identify fraudulent behavior along with recommendations on how to handle the situation.
If you've experienced catfishing and are seeking emotional assistance, consider reaching out to the Samaritans. Their helpline is open 24/7 and is free to use. You can also contact Victim Support or Victim Support Scotland for help.
