Larimer County Catfishing Arrest Raises Safety Concerns for Colorado Daters

Dating in 2025 is already tough enough, but add on the fear of being catfished takes things to a whole new level.

According to Cambridge Dictionary, catfishing is, "the practice of pretending on social media to be someone different, in order to trick or attack another person."

This has become a huge problem thanks to online dating. People build up trust and relationships with someone online, only to have that trust shattered.

Catfishing Case in Larimer County, Colorado Nearly Turns Deadly

A catfishing case in Larimer County caught law enforcement's attention because it nearly turned deadly.

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Larimer County Sheriff Responds to 911 Call at Douglas Reservoir

Earlier this week officials from the Larimer County Sheriff's Department issued a press release regarding an incident involving Anthony Brown-Wright.

On August 31st, 2025, a county deputy responded to a  911 hang-up call from Douglas Reservoir in Fort Collins.

When they got to the location that the call originated from, they reportedly saw Brown Wright exit a GMC Yukon with another adult.

The officer discovered that the unnamed victim tried calling 911, but allegedly Brown-Wright hung up the phone before they were able to make the report.

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Victim Reportedly Catfished Through a Dating App

This victim had arranged to meet up at the reservoir with a woman they had met on a dating app. They quickly learned that 33-year-old Wright-Brown had catfished them after getting into the vehicle.

Suspect Arrested and Facing Multiple Charges in Fort Collins

The man was arrested and booked into Larimer County Jail. He is facing the following charges:

• Criminal Extortion (class 4 felony)
• Third Degree Assault (class 1 misdemeanor)
• Obstruction of Phone or Telegraph Service (class 1 misdemeanor)
• First Degree Trespass with Intent to Commit Crime (class 1 misdemeanor)
• False Imprisonment (class 2 misdemeanor) - 2 counts
• Theft less than $300 (petty offense)

Second Catfishing Incident Near Loveland Linked to Same Suspect

Reportedly there is a connection to a similar catfishing case that took place back in August.

Law enforcement shared that last month, a suspect who allegedly matched the description of Anthony Brown-Wright had met another victim through a dating app.

They arranged to meet in person at a location south of Loveland called Simpson Ponds. During this incident, the victim entered a white GMC Yukon expecting to "meet a person of a completely different description than Brown-Wright."

The victim claims that the suspect quickly became violent and tried to prevent them from leaving. Reportedly the victim fought back and escaped the vehicle.

Brown-Wright allegedly said he would press charges against the victim for fighting him and then asked for sexual acts rather than calling the police , according to the press release from Larimer County law enforcement.

Larimer County Sheriff Urges Victims to Come Forward

“Consent is always necessary. That’s true whether you’re in a committed relationship or a casual meetup,” said Larimer County Sheriff John Feyen.

“We understand how someone might feel uncomfortable reporting an incident like this, and I really want to thank the two people who came forward. If you’ve experienced something similar, please let us know. We’re not here to judge. We’re here to support you and keep our community safe.”

Law Enforcement: Colorado Victims Possibly Targeted for Gender Identity

Officials also confirmed that both of the victims were transgender people. They suspect that the suspect might have been targeting these individuals specifically because of their gender identity.

Read More: Arson at a Loveland Charlie Kirk Memorial Leads to Arrest

How to Report Information About This Catfishing Case in Colorado

Law enforcement officials are asking for the public's help. If you have any information about this case/the suspect, you are encouraged to contact Deputy Megan Job at 970-577-2085.

If you wish to remain anonymous you can also contact Crime Stoppers of Larimer County at 970-221-6868 or www.stopcriminals.org.

This is an ongoing investigation. We will keep you updated as more information comes out regarding this case.

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