Why Do Women Commit Paternity Fraud ?
- Falsely Accused Network
- May 19
- 3 min read
Why Do Women Commit Paternity Fraud?
By Michael Thompson, Founder of Paternity Fraud UK
Paternity fraud is one of the most under-discussed forms of deception in modern society, yet its consequences are deeply traumatic. For the men involved, discovering that the child they’ve loved, raised, and bonded with isn’t biologically theirs is life-altering. But it begs the question: why would a woman knowingly allow, or even orchestrate, such a deception?
To understand this, we must look beyond surface-level justifications and delve into the realm of dark psychology—the study of manipulation, deceit, and control within human relationships.
1. Control and Power
At the heart of many cases of paternity fraud is a desire for control. Whether it’s over a man, a financial situation, or even a narrative, some individuals see deception as a way to secure dominance. By lying about a child’s paternity, a woman can anchor a man to her—legally, financially, emotionally—even if the actual relationship has broken down or was never genuine to begin with.
Control is a key element in dark psychological behaviour, and paternity fraud is one of the ultimate tools of emotional leverage.
2. Fear of Abandonment or Rejection
Some women commit paternity fraud out of fear. Fear that the biological father would not accept the child, or fear of being left alone. In these cases, deceit becomes a desperate attempt to avoid abandonment. The lie is told not necessarily for malicious reasons at the outset, but to create a false sense of security and stability.
However, what may begin as a panicked decision can evolve into a prolonged lie, sustained over years and at great emotional cost to everyone involved.
3. Financial Motivation
In some cases, the motive is calculated and financial. Child maintenance payments, inheritance rights, housing support, and even immigration status can all hinge on the identity of a child’s father. Choosing a man who is more stable or financially secure—regardless of the truth—can be a deliberate decision made to secure long-term material support.
This is one of the darkest aspects of paternity fraud: where a child becomes a pawn in a game of resource extraction.
4. Revenge and Retaliation
There are also cases where paternity fraud is used as a form of punishment or revenge. A woman who feels betrayed or rejected by one man might choose to name another as the father out of spite. Alternatively, she might use a child to entrap a man who tried to end the relationship, using legal systems to tie him to her for the next 18 years.
This isn’t just manipulation—it’s emotional abuse that echoes the patterns we often see in coercive control cases.
5. Shame and Social Image
Some women lie about paternity because they fear social judgment or stigma. If they’ve had multiple partners, or if the real father is someone deemed socially “unacceptable” (due to race, class, criminal background, etc.), the lie can be used to protect their image or standing.
What starts as an effort to save face can lead to years of deception, trauma, and emotional betrayal for innocent parties.
---
The Bottom Line
Paternity fraud is rarely a simple mistake. It’s often a premeditated decision that requires sustained lying, paperwork falsification, and the maintenance of an illusion that directly harms others.
At Paternity Fraud UK, we believe this form of deception must be recognised not just as a civil wrong, but in many cases as a form of psychological abuse. It robs men of informed consent, children of identity, and undermines trust in both relationships and institutions.
We continue to campaign for mandatory paternity testing at birth, proper legal consequences for deception, and most importantly—support for those affected.
If you’ve experienced this, or suspect you might have, we’re here to help.
Michael Thompson
Founder, Paternity Fraud UK
Comments