Catfishing explained: what is it, how to avoid it and what to do if you are catfished

Catfishing is a deceptive activity where someone creates a fake online persona to establish a relationship with another person, often for fraudulent or deceptive purposes.

The term “catfishing” originated from the 2010 documentary film “Catfish,” in which the filmmaker, Nev Schulman, discovers that he had been engaged in an online relationship with a person who had created a false identity.

This deceptive practice has become prevalent in recent years, with more people getting duped out of their money by this scheme. According to TechReport, around 20,000 people in the US become catfishing victims each year. The website adds that in 2021, people lost more than $500 million to catfish scams.

Catfishing 101

The catfisher’s fictional persona comes with fake photos, personal information, and sometimes an entirely made-up life story. This fabricated profile is used to interact with others on social media, dating websites, or online communities.

Catfishers may use photos stolen from others’ social media profiles, websites, or other online sources to create a more convincing fake identity. This adds an extra layer of deception to the scheme.

Catfishing commonly occurs on platforms where people interact and form connections. The anonymity provided by the internet makes it easier for these scammers to operate without being immediately identified.

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Why do people catfish?

Catfishing can involve various motives, such as seeking emotional connection, financial gain, revenge, or simply enjoying the act of deception. In some cases, these con artists may engage in “romance scams” to build fake relationships with the intention of exploiting their targets financially.

Catfishers often engage in emotional manipulation to create a sense of trust and intimacy with their targets. They may share personal stories, express deep emotions, and establish a false connection to gain the trust of the person they are deceiving.

How to avoid catfishing

It’s important to exercise caution when forming online connections, especially with people we have not met in person. Verifying the identity of someone online and being careful about sharing personal information can help prevent falling victim to catfishing schemes. If suspicions arise, conduct due diligence and, if necessary, seek assistance to confirm the authenticity of an online relationship.

Be wary when interacting with individuals who are overly secretive about their identity, such as those who refuse to share photos, provide specific details about their lives, or avoid video calls.

Use reverse image search tools to check whether the photos provided by the person appear elsewhere on the internet. Catfishers often use stolen photos from other people’s social media profiles.

Request a video call to see and hear the person in real-time. A refusal to engage in video calls or constant avoidance may be a red flag.

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‘Listen’ for signs of catfishing

Pay attention to inconsistencies in the person’s stories or details. Catfishers may struggle to keep their lies straight, leading to discrepancies in their narratives.

Be cautious if someone declares deep feelings of love or commitment very quickly, especially if you have not met in person. Catfishers may use emotional manipulation to gain trust rapidly.

Avoid sharing sensitive personal information, such as financial details or addresses, with someone you’ve only met online. Catfishers may exploit this information for fraudulent purposes.

Examine the person’s social media profiles, and look for consistent activity, connections, and engagement.

If something feels off or too good to be true, trust your instincts. If you have doubts, take the time to investigate and confirm details before proceeding.

Familiarize yourself with common signs of catfishing and online scams. Stay informed about the latest tactics used by catfishers to deceive individuals.

What to do if you are catfished

If you suspect that you are being catfished, here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and address the situation.

Stop all communication with the person you suspect is catfishing you. Do not share any more personal information or engage in further interactions. Block them on all communication channels. This prevents further contact and minimizes the risk of additional deception.

Collect evidence of the catfishing, including screenshots of conversations, photos, and any other relevant information. This documentation may be useful if you decide to report the incident to authorities.

Report the catfisher to the platform where you first encountered the person. Most social media and dating platforms have reporting mechanisms for fraudulent or deceptive activities.

Review and update the privacy settings on your social media accounts. Check that your personal information is secure and that you are not inadvertently sharing sensitive details. If the catfishing involves criminal activities, such as fraud or harassment, consider reporting it to local law enforcement. Provide them with the evidence you have gathered.