Catfishing continues to be a widespread problem online, and has victimized thousands of vulnerable individuals around the world. Everyone can fall to a trap, regardless of someone’s stature, including former NBA players like Ray Allen.

The two-time NBA champion recently filed a motion in court against a man named Bryant Coleman, who pretended be different women, and got in touch with him. As the simple conversations turned into a serious case of stalking, Allen figured he should seek legal action, and went to an Orlando court to share his experience.

The motion included the accounts of how he and his family were stalked by the suspect along with instances where they were threatened to be exposed on social media, according to an ESPN report.

“Coleman pretended to be a number of attractive women interested in Ray Allen,” read the motion filed on Allen's behalf. “Ray believed he was speaking with these women and communicated with them.”

“He posted about Ray's wife, Ray's children, Ray's dog, Ray's homes, Ray's wife's restaurant, and numerous other personal items,” the motion read. “Coleman not only posted about these things, he would actually post while physically located inside Ray's wife's restaurant in Orlando. And he would make sure they knew it, tagging Ray and his wife on those posts.”

Ray Allen’s lawyer, David Oscar Markus, also stated in court that his client is regretting having such conversations online, and admits that he should have been more careful. However, he is glad that no one from his family was harmed, and is hopeful that he can raise awareness about catfishing.

“Ray regrets ever engaging with this person online and is thankful they never met in person,” Markus said. “This experience has negatively impacted Ray, and he hopes that others might use his mistake to learn the dangers of communicating online with strangers.”

Catfishing may not be considered a crime in the same level as murder or rape, but its effects could linger to its victims, including their friends and families. With Allen stepping forward, it could serve as a warning to those stalkers online to think twice about it first, as there are serious consequences to be faced for those proven guilty of posing as a different person, in order to stalk someone.

The 42-year-old last played in the NBA back in the 2013-14 season with the Miami Heat. He is regarded as one of the best pure shooters to ever play the game, and is the league’s all-time leader in 3-point field goals made. He will forever be remembered for the epic shot he made in the 2013 Finals, which took the series to seven games, making it possible for the South Beach team to defeat the San Antonio Spurs.