People catfish for a variety of reasons. For example, they may feel insecure about their appearance or lack confidence. Similarly, they could feel lonely and are seeking romance or companionship online.
Regardless of their motive, they often avoid situations where their true identity is exposed. It includes avoiding video calls or meeting in person.
Definition
Catfishing is creating a fake online identity to defraud or scam people. The catfishing meaning was coined in 2010 after the documentary Catfish and has become more mainstream since then, especially with the spin-off show on MTV. It is a type of fraud that can take many forms, from cyberbullying to physical abuse. Often, the motives behind catfishing are rooted in insecurities. People may catfish for attention from others, to get back at an ex, or even to find romantic partners.
Those who are caught catfishing can face serious legal consequences. In addition to being convicted of fraud, they could be charged with identity theft and face emotional distress from the experience. It is why always being cautious when meeting new people online is essential. Look for red flags like a low number of friends on social media or suspicious images.
If someone you have never met asks you for money, it’s a good bet they are catfishing. They often invent stories that make you feel sorry for them, such as a bad family situation or financial hardship. They can also love-bomb you by overwhelming you with affection to distract you from questioning their identity. It is why it’s essential to trust your gut instinct and not give in to pressure from an individual who seems too good to be true.
Signs
There are many red flags to watch out for when trying to meet someone online. One is if they have very few followers or friends on social media. It is a sign they are hiding something and want to avoid detection. Another is if they only have professional pictures on their profiles instead of personal ones. It could be a red flag that they are catfishing.
Another is if they constantly refuse to video chat or talk on the phone. It is a common way for predators to keep their identity secret. They will make up excuses such as work commitments or being sick to prevent you from seeing their face and hearing their voice.
Finally, it’s a big warning sign if they start asking you for money. It is a classic scam technique catfishers use to get their victims to send them money. They will create stories about being in financial trouble or having a hard life to make you feel sorry for them.
If you’re being catfished, it can be highly emotionally devasting to find out that the person you thought was your friend is a fake. It can also cause long-term issues such as mental illness. If you’ve fallen for a catfisher, you’ll experience betrayal, guilt, and shame for believing and falling in love with a non-existent person.
Symptoms
In cases of catfishing, a victim can experience severe emotional devastation from being tricked. They can also suffer financial loss and long-term mental health problems like anxiety disorders. In some instances, a catfisher can expose the victim to public ridicule by using their fake identity to cyberbully them, leaving them vulnerable and unable to trust others again.
If you’ve been chatting with someone online for a while and they suddenly start asking you for money, it could be a sign that they are catfishing. They may also ask you for intimate photos or explicit videos, which can be used to blackmail the person in the future. If you’re asked to send these files, it’s a good idea to immediately end your communication with the person.
Another red flag is when a catfisher tells you about their past traumas to gain empathy or make you feel sorry for them. It is a common tactic used by predators who want to prey on victims with low self-esteem.
It’s also a red flag when someone has a limited social media presence and no other ways to trace them. It’s rare for someone not to have an online profile, and if they do, they should keep their private settings turned on to prevent being catfished. Another way to spot a catfish is to search their name on social media and websites with a reverse image search tool, which will show if they’re using stolen pictures from other accounts.
Prevention
To avoid being catfished, be careful when sharing personal information online. Avoid giving out your birthday, location, or other details that could be used against you. Also, never share passwords or other sensitive material with someone you’ve only met online. If a person you’re talking to asks for nudes or other explicit images, this is a red flag that they’re not who they claim to be. Also, check to see if a person has multiple social media accounts. If they have multiple accounts and they’re not all linked, this is a sign that they’re hiding something.
Some people catfish to troll or get revenge on others. Other times, they do it for financial gain or to explore their sexuality. Finally, some people catfish because they are lonely or have poor self-esteem and want to connect with someone they think is more attractive or successful than them. Mental illness, like depression and anxiety, is another common reason for catfishing.
Be wary of anyone quick to ask for money or gifts. They may develop a heart-tugging story to convince you to send them money, such as a family member needing care or an emergency. You should also be suspicious if they aren’t willing to meet in person or insist on video chat.
