The acid attack hoaxer is just one in a line of women who have faked terrible things, in part to get attention. And while the result is often despicable, their motives can be complicated.

"Hipster grifter" Kari Ferrell has given a jailhouse interview to ABC News, in which she says the reason her story has received so much media attention is "because I am pretty, intelligent and very well spoken."

"She's just a really good liar. She goes after people who are very trusting, and exploits that. She really had me going-my first instinct is not to Google someone when I meet them."