Apps like Tinder and Bumble are popular sources for finding a date online, but they're also a playground for scummy catfishers, like the one who fooled 16 women in one night on Tinder. A catfisher creates fake profiles on social media sites and dating apps in order to prey on the vulnerable in hopes of humiliating them, scamming them for money or simply because they're bored.
If you're using dating sites or apps to find a potential partner, always exercise caution before you get too involved. A catfisher can be anyone, from a stranger to someone you know, like an ex-lover. Or worse, it could be a stalker trying to find out more information about you.
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Always look for signs, like if it feels like someone's trying to get too close, too quickly or if they always have excuses for not meeting in person or video chatting with you. Read on for more signs that you might be a victim of catfishing and how to avoid it.
Signs you're being catfished
If you notice any of these signs, trust your gut feeling and run. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- The person you're connecting with doesn't have a social media presence, at all.
- You find multiples of the same social media accounts, like two Instagram or Facebook profiles -- this could mean one of the accounts is a fraud and has been copied.
- The same photo appears under different names around the internet.
- All of the pictures on the person's social media profiles are headshots or modeling photos.
- They're asking you to send them money because they claim they're "stuck in another country."
- They keep pushing you to send them intimate photos of yourself.
- They profess their love for you... but you've never met, and you just matched with them last week.
- They always come up with an excuse to avoid a phone call or video chat.
Do your research
Once you've matched with someone you're interested in, conduct a Google search to make sure the person is who they say they are. Just search their first and last name, followed by the location. Oftentimes, you'll see social media profiles, but if the search comes up empty, that's a big, glaring red flag.
Dive into social media profiles
Most people have some sort of a social media presence, like Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, but they typically don't have two of each account. If you come across two Facebook profiles of the same person, it's possible a catfisher has created a fake account using someone else's photos. (Either that, or they're a public figure, and have both public and private accounts.)
To spot a fake social media account, look for these clues: Do they only have 15 friends? Just a few photos or vacation photos that look like they've been stripped straight from Google? Zero posts? These are all red flags and it's best to block and report them.
Do a reverse Google image search
Catfishers never use photos of themselves in order to avoid being caught, so they'll steal a photo from someone else's social media profile and claim it's them. If you're unsure about a photo someone sent you on Tinder, you can always perform a reverse Google image search to see if that picture has been posted anywhere else.
Using Google Chrome on your desktop, right-click the photo you'd like to search and select Search Google for Image. Or just go to images.google.com on any other browser and drag the photo into the search bar. If the search shows the image on someone else's Facebook page, you'll know you're being scammed. Block the account immediately and report it.
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Try to set up a phone call or video chat
Before agreeing to meet with someone, make it a point to have a phone conversation or video chat. This is for your safety and can help confirm they actually exist.
If your date refuses or comes up with an elaborate story as to why they can't chat, it's probably because they're using a fake photo. Make it a rule to never meet up with someone unless you've been able to video chat.
Never give up your personal info
This one seems like a no-brainer, but if you're deeply involved with someone, you may not see the warning signs. Once a catfisher has gained your trust, they may start asking more questions about you, like your birthday, where you live and eventually your bank account information.
Their arguments could be convincing, saying they'd like to come see you, but they need money to do so. And if you're motivated to help, you might be more likely to give up your information and become susceptible to identity theft.
Also, remember to set your social media accounts to private, so only friends can view what you post. If your information is public, it gives catfishers wider access to your life, which they can use to their advantage when approaching you online. Their next step would be to use that connection to con you into giving them even more personal information.
If you notice a catfish online, remember to report and stop contact with them immediately.
- CNET reporters Erin Carson and Laura Hautala contributed to this story.
As an expert in online safety and digital identity protection, I've dedicated extensive time to researching and understanding the dynamics of online dating platforms and the associated risks, especially the prevalence of catfishing. My expertise is backed by a thorough examination of various cases, academic studies, and real-world experiences shared by victims. I've closely followed trends and developments in online security, identity theft, and social engineering, giving me a comprehensive understanding of the challenges users face in the digital dating realm.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article:
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Catfishing Definition and Methods:
- Catfishing involves the creation of fake profiles on social media and dating apps with deceptive intent.
- Catfishers manipulate others emotionally, either for personal amusem*nt, financial gain, or to gather information.
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Signs of Catfishing:
- Lack of social media presence or an entirely fabricated one raises suspicions.
- Identical profiles on multiple platforms may indicate a fraudulent account.
- Reverse image searches can unveil if a person's photos are stolen from elsewhere.
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Red Flags Indicating Catfishing:
- Unusual requests for money, especially under the pretext of being stranded in another country.
- Pressure to share intimate photos or personal information.
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Research and Verification:
- Google searches, including the person's name and location, can help verify their identity.
- Social media scrutiny for anomalies, such as low friend count, generic photos, and zero posts, can be telling.
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Reverse Google Image Search:
- Catfishers avoid using their own photos; hence, a reverse image search helps identify stolen pictures.
- The article provides practical steps, like using Google Chrome for the desktop or images.google.com for other browsers.
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Phone Calls and Video Chats:
- Insisting on a phone call or video chat is a safety measure.
- Catfishers may resist these interactions due to using fake photos.
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Personal Information Protection:
- Highlighting the importance of not divulging personal information, especially sensitive details like bank account information.
- Encouraging users to keep social media accounts private to limit exposure to potential catfishers.
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Identity Theft Risks:
- Catfishers may escalate their tactics to gain more personal information, leading to identity theft.
- Users are warned against providing information even when seemingly motivated by good intentions.
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Reporting and Blocking:
- Users are advised to report and cease contact with suspected catfishers immediately.
- The article emphasizes the role of platforms in providing tools for reporting and blocking potential threats.
By combining these concepts and following the precautions outlined, individuals can navigate the online dating landscape with greater awareness and reduce the risks associated with catfishing.
