The Hidden Wounds of Paternity Fraud: The Psychological Impact on Fathers

By Michael Thompson, Founder of Paternity Fraud UK

Paternity fraud is one of the most devastating forms of deception a man can experience. At its core, it occurs when a man is deliberately misled into believing he is the biological father of a child, when in fact he is not. This betrayal strikes at the heart of family, identity, and trust. While much discussion focuses on the legal or financial consequences, the psychological and emotional impact on the man who has been deceived is often overlooked.

From my own experience, and from working with other men at Paternity Fraud UK who have been through this as well, it is clear that the hidden wounds of paternity fraud run deep.

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Betrayal

The discovery of paternity fraud is, above all else, a profound betrayal. For years, the wrong father may have invested his love, energy, and identity into the role of being “Dad.” When the truth comes out, it shatters the foundation of trust—not only with the mother, but often with family, friends, and sometimes even the child. The sense of being lied to about something so fundamental cuts deeper than almost any other form of deceit.

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Anger

Anger is another immediate and lasting consequence. Men who are victims of paternity fraud often feel rage at having been manipulated, used, or exploited—sometimes for financial security, sometimes to protect another man, or sometimes simply out of convenience. This anger is not just about the fraud itself; it’s also about the years lost, the sacrifices made, and the opportunities denied because of a lie.

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Sadness

Behind the anger lies an overwhelming sadness. The sadness stems from grief—grief for the life imagined, for the bond believed to be real, and for the future that will never exist. Many men describe it as mourning a child who is still alive but who no longer feels like “theirs.” This grief is complicated and often isolating, as wider society rarely recognises paternity fraud as a legitimate trauma.

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Mistrust of Others

After such a profound betrayal, it is natural for men to develop mistrust—not only towards women, but often towards people more generally. If someone could lie about something as life-changing as fatherhood, what else might others be capable of hiding? This mistrust can bleed into friendships, professional relationships, and family ties, leaving the victim feeling guarded, suspicious, and alone.

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Difficulties in Forming New Relationships

The long-term damage often shows itself most clearly in future relationships. Many victims of paternity fraud struggle to commit again. Some carry a constant fear of being deceived, while others avoid intimacy altogether to protect themselves from further harm. Even when a new relationship forms, the shadow of betrayal can undermine trust and make it difficult to build the secure foundations that healthy partnerships require.

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Why This Matters

Paternity fraud is not a minor issue. It is not a “white lie” or a mistake—it is a deliberate deception that robs men of truth, trust, and often years of their lives. The psychological scars can last a lifetime.

At Paternity Fraud UK, we are committed to raising awareness of this hidden injustice, supporting victims, and pushing for greater legal recognition of the harm caused. These men are not just dealing with financial or legal complications—they are living with deep emotional wounds that deserve to be acknowledged and addressed.

Get Support

If you’ve been affected by paternity fraud in any way, shape, or form, you don’t have to face it alone. Feel free to reach out to us:

🌐 Website: www.paternityfrauduk.org

📧 Email: paternityfrauduk@gmail.com

At Paternity Fraud UK, we’re here to listen, support, and help raise awareness of this hidden injustice.

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Michael Thompson

Founder of Paternity Fraud UK