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Catfishing
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The online space makes it easy to meet new people and make new friends. However, not everyone online is who they say they are. Some people may approach you with dishonesty and intentions to harm you.
One way this can happen is through catfishing.
What is Catfishing?
Catfishing refers to when someone creates a fake or misleading online profile (usually on social media, gaming platforms, or dating apps) with the intent of deceiving others into forming a friendship or relationship with them.
A person who creates such profile (also known as the ‘catfish’) can use fake names, photos, or personal details to appear more attractive, trustworthy, or relatable.
To gain your attention, these catfishes may show red flags, such as:
- Pretending to be rich, highly educated or someone famous.
- Having profiles that look new, empty, or lack real friends or interactions.
- Rushing the relationship, asking for intimate photos early on, or saying “I love you” very quickly..
- Often having excuses for not meeting up or doing a video call.
- Telling you to keep the relationship a secret from your friends or family.
How Can Catfishing Affect Me?
Catfish often use different tactics to gain your trust. Once they have it, they may take advantage of you in harmful ways:
Scamming you into sending money
A catfish may spend months building a close relationship with you before asking to borrow money, request gift cards, or claim they are facing an “emergency”. They take advantage of your feelings and trust to scam you.
Pressuring you to send intimate images
Sometimes, catfish are not after money. They may lure you into sending nude or intimate photos for their own pleasure or later use these images to threaten or blackmail you.
Grooming you emotionally
A catfish may shower you with attention and gifts to groom you into developing strong feelings for them, making it hard for you to pull away, even after realising they are not who they say they are.
Stealing your personal information
They may ask for personal details, such as your full name, school, photos, or login information, to impersonate you, misuse your identity online or stalk you in real life.
Being targeted by catfishing can affect you in many ways, making you feel embarrassed, anxious, emotionally drained and confused. It’s important to know that these feelings are normal and it is not your fault.
What Should I Do If I Think I Am Interacting With A Catfish?
Set Boundaries Online
- Take a break from the conversation and give yourself time to think.
- Stop replying to the person if you feel uncomfortable or unsure.
Think Before You Act
- Check their profile carefully for red flags.
- Verify their photos to see if their profile pictures appear under different names elsewhere online by uploading the image on reverse image search tools like Google Images, which will show you where else that image appears on the internet.
Report Inappropriate Content
- Block the user to stop further contact.
- Report the account on the platform. If the person is impersonating a public figure or someone you know, you can specify the account they are impersonating.
- Take screenshots of any messages or content, so you can include them in your report if needed.
Engage A Trusted Person and Seek Support
- Talk to a trusted adult, older sibling, teacher, or school counsellor for advice and support.
- If you are no longer in school or need more help, you can also reach out to a helpline or support service to speak to someone.
Note: If you have given your money, intimate images or personal information to the catfish, you can make a police report.
What Should I Do?
A famous person added me on social media and claims this is their super private account. What should I do?
If someone claims to be a celebrity or influencer using a “private” or “backup” account, be super careful. Here’s what you can do:
- Stop and don’t engage further: Public figures rarely use private accounts to message individuals.
- Adjust privacy settings: Adjust your privacy settings so they can’t see your posts or message you directly.
- Check official accounts: Look for verified profiles to confirm how the person usually communicates.
- Do not share personal information or send money: Real celebrities will not ask for gifts, payments, or private details.
- Block and report the account: Report the profile for impersonation so the platform can take action.
Someone I’ve been dating online, but have never met, asked me for money. What should I do?
If an online relationship turns into requests for money or financial help, it’s important to be discerning and careful. Here’s what you can do:
- Take a step back from the conversation: Scammers may claim there is an emergency (for example, hospital bills or travel issues) to rush you into making a decision.
- Do not send money: Requests for cash transfers or gift cards are common warning signs of a love scam.
- Reach out for support: Talk to someone you trust, like your parents, teachers, school counsellors, or close friends. Talking it through can help you think more clearly.
- Block and report the account: If the requests continue, report the user on the platform and to ScamShield. This can help protect others as well.
I feel strongly connected to someone online, but they keep avoiding meeting. What should I do?
If someone keeps cancelling plans or making excuses to avoid meeting or video calls, it may be a red flag. Here’s what you can do:
- Try to verify their identity: Ask for a video call or verify their photos using reverse image search.
- Adjust privacy settings: Adjust your privacy settings to limit what they can see on your accounts.
- Reach out for support: Talk to someone you trust, like your parents, teachers, school counsellors, or close friends. Talking it through can help you think more clearly.
- Stop and don’t engage further: If the behaviour continues, step away to protect your time, personal information, and safety.
Want more tips and tools to build healthier digital habits? Come along and Scroll Smart, Surf Safe with us.