What is Catfishing and how to recognise it

Catfishing is a deceptive practice in which someone creates a fake online identity to establish a relationship with another person, often for fraudulent or deceptive purposes. The term “catfish” comes from the idea of using bait to catch fish. In the context of online relationships, a catfish creates a false persona to lure someone into a romantic or emotional connection.

Where Can I Get Catfished?

Catfishing mainly takes place on any communication channel where the catfisher can remain anonymous (or present the personae they want) all while communicating back and forth with you. The number place is social media platforms and online dating sites or apps. Bear in mind that catfishing can also be done by phone or even letters/emails!

Why do People Catfish?

There are many different reasons people catfish.

False Life: Some reasons are as simple as wanting to be what they’re not. For example someone who feels ugly or less than may create a flashy personality online so they can have relationships with someone who they feel wouldn’t be interested in them in real life.

Pranking: Some people catfish for “laughs”. They find some happiness in leading people on for no reason. Some people have been known to catfish friends and family for fun even.

Financial Scams: Many catfishers set out to scam their victims for money. After gaining their trust, they devise various means to get their victims to send them money.

Harassment/Stalking/Abuse: This is the most serious and destructive form of catfishing. Some catfish so they can gain the trust of their target and find a way to take advantage of them physically. Women and children are usually targets for these sort of people. In some cases, catfishing can even lead to or be a part of even more severe forms of abuse.

How to recognize a catfish

Stolen Photos: Catfishers often use photos that are not their own. Reverse image search tools can help you check if the pictures have been used elsewhere on the internet. Simply go to https://images.google.com and upload the image. You will see where else this same photo(s) have been used or gotten from.
Professional/Stock Photos: Catfishers might use stock photos or images easily found online. If the person’s photos look like they could be generic and are not specific to their purported life, it’s a red flag.
New Profiles: Catfishers usually create new profiles to handle new victims. They usually disable profiles they’ve successfully used to catfish, which is why they set up new ones regularly. The more recently the profile was created, the more cautious you should be.
Unusual Online Behavior: Watch for unusual behavior in the online space, such as creating multiple profiles or using different inconsistent details (eg names) on multiple online platforms. Catfishers may engage in deceptive activities across different sites.
Too Good to Be True: Catfishers often create overly attractive or appealing profiles to capture attention. They flash wealthy or extremely exciting lifestyles. If the person’s qualities seem too perfect or idealized, be cautious.
Inconsistent Stories: Pay attention to inconsistencies in the person’s stories or details about their life. Catfishers often struggle to maintain a coherent and believable narrative over time.
Quick Declarations of Love: Catfishers may rush the development of the relationship, expressing love or strong feelings very quickly. This tactic is often used to manipulate emotions and gain trust.
Limited Availability for Calls or Video Chats: If the person consistently avoids phone calls or video chats, it could be a sign of catfishing. A reluctance to engage in real-time communication may indicate a desire to maintain deception.
Avoidance of In-Person Meetings: A catfish may consistently find reasons to avoid meeting in person. Excuses could include emergencies, last-minute cancellations, or vague explanations for not being able to meet.
Sob Stories: Catfishers usually start to subtly tell you stories of woe or problems they’re having, in the hopes that you will probe further and become vested in their situation. If the person opens up with a little too much personal details quite early in the interaction, it’s likely a catfisher.
Request for Money or Financial Assistance: Be cautious if the person starts asking for money or financial assistance. Catfishers may create fictional scenarios to elicit sympathy and financial support from their victims. They will often come up with excuses to ask for financial help. They might tell the victim they need money to go and see them. Or maybe a family member is ill, and they need some money to cover medical costs. You may feel you’re helping them out by sending them money, but they will likely keep coming up with more excuses to get money out of you. Don’t do it!
Limited Social Media Presence: Check the person’s social media presence. A catfish may have a limited online footprint, and their profiles may lack consistent or authentic details. Any profiles they have will usually have small number of friends/followers and little to no legitimate interaction.
Reluctance to Share Personal Information: Catfishers often avoid sharing personal details about their life, such as their address, workplace, or other verifiable information. They may create a web of deception to keep their true identity hidden.
Personal Data Collection: Catfishers will usually try to get lots of information about you without giving you any true information about themselves. You may feel pressured to share and be open just because it seems like they are doing the same. Be careful not to give out any sensitive information including private pictures. Sometimes when you don’t fall for their catfishing, they may resort to more heinous means to get to you eg blackmail or harassment.

What to do if you're being Catfished

If you suspect that you are being catfished, it’s important to be cautious and prioritize your safety.

If you want to be sure, you can investigate further by verifying information or conducting online searches. Always trust your instincts. Don’t brush anything off.
If something still feels off, cease all communication and report any suspicious behavior to the admin of the platform you’re using. To report anyone on Lovejejely dating site, simply click the report button on the catfishers profile and entire your complaints.
If the catfisher threatens you and you feel unsafe, inform any security authority immediately so they are aware and if possible they can investigate. You should also let any close family or friend be aware to.