Ep 12. Sender: Unknown

Web of Lies is a popular true crime documentary series that investigates various online scams, frauds, and cybercrimes that have led to dangerous, often violent situations. Season 2 episode 12, Sender: Unknown, delves into the disturbing case of a woman who mysteriously disappears after connecting with a man on a popular online dating site.

The episode begins with a reenactment of the victim, Lisa, setting up her online dating profile and receiving multiple messages from interested suitors. However, one message stands out to her - the sender is anonymous, and all they say is 'Hey beautiful.' Normally, Lisa would brush off an anonymous message like this, but something about it intrigues her. She responds, and what follows is a whirlwind romance that quickly turns dark.

Lisa begins communicating with the sender over email, and before long, they exchange phone numbers and other personal details. The sender, who goes by the name 'Alex,' is charming, witty, and seemingly perfect for Lisa. However, as their virtual relationship progresses, red flags start to appear. Alex is often vague about his personal life and hesitant to meet in person, and Lisa starts to feel uneasy about their interactions.

Despite her reservations, Lisa can't help but feel a strong connection to Alex, and she wants to meet him in person. They agree to finally meet at a coffee shop, but when Lisa arrives, she discovers that Alex isn't who he says he is. He's significantly older than he claimed to be, and his appearance is nothing like the photos he sent her. Lisa is devastated and confused, but Alex manages to convince her to give him another chance.

From there, the situation spirals out of control. Alex becomes increasingly possessive and demanding, bombarding Lisa with hundreds of texts and calls each day. He insists that they're in a serious relationship and that Lisa belongs to him. Lisa tries to distance herself from Alex, but he won't let her go. He shows up at her workplace and at her house unannounced, leaving gifts and notes for her. Lisa is terrified and doesn't know what to do.

Eventually, Lisa disappears, and the police are called in to investigate. It's unclear whether Alex is responsible for her disappearance, but his behavior suggests that he's not playing with a full deck. The episode explores the complex web of lies that Alex has created for himself and the lengths he's willing to go to keep Lisa under his control.

As with all episodes of Web of Lies, Sender: Unknown is an engaging and suspenseful exploration of the darker side of the internet. It's a cautionary tale about the dangers of engaging with strangers online and the importance of trusting one's instincts. Despite its disturbing subject matter, the episode is a gripping watch, thanks to the taut pacing and expertly crafted reenactments. Fans of the true crime genre won't want to miss it.