Catfishing is when someone creates a fake online identity to deceive someone in a romantic or friendly relationship. This is often done for financial gain or to manipulate the victim, with common red flags including avoiding video calls or in-person meetings, inconsistent stories, and asking for money.
How it works
Fake identity: A person uses stolen photos and false information to create a fake profile on social media or dating sites.
Luring a victim: The “catfish” develops a relationship with the target, often using “love bombing” to build a strong emotional connection quickly.
Exploitation: Once trust is established, the catfish may ask for money, threaten to expose secrets, or use the relationship for other forms of manipulation.
How to spot catfishing..
Refusal to meet: The person makes excuses to avoid video calls or meeting in person, often with increasingly elaborate reasons.
Lack of online presence: The profile has a very low number of friends or followers, and the profile picture is rarely or never updated.
Inconsistent stories: Their narrative doesn’t add up, and they have trouble providing consistent details about their life.
Asking for money: They request money, usually with a story about a crisis, and promise to repay it.
Isolation: They try to isolate you from your friends and family, insisting the relationship be kept secret.
Those who fish use hooks, don’t be caught.
How to protect yourself
Be cautious: Be suspicious of anyone who seems “too good to be true”.
Verify identity: Insist on a video call or meeting in a public place to confirm the person’s identity. Share with others:
Tell a trusted friend or family member about the person you are talking to. Don’t send money: Never send money to someone you have only met online.
Protect personal information: Be careful not to share sensitive information like your address, bank details, or answers to security questions.
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