TL;DR: Catfishing is when someone creates a fake online identity — often with stolen photos — to deceive another person, usually in a romantic context. Do a reverse image search on profile photos before investing emotional or financial trust, insist on a video call early, and never send money to someone you haven't met in person.
Catfishing is when someone creates a fake online identity — often with stolen photos — to deceive another person, usually in a romantic context.
How Catfishing Works
A scammer builds a fake profile using photos taken from someone else's real social media, builds an online relationship, and may avoid video calls or meeting in person while working toward an eventual request for money.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Refusal to video call or meet in person, inconsistencies in their story, and photos that seem too polished (a reverse image search often reveals they're stolen).
How to Protect Yourself
Do a reverse image search on profile photos before investing emotional or financial trust, insist on a video call early, and never send money to someone you haven't met in person.
If this looks similar to something else you've seen, it's worth reading What Is Clone Phishing? How It Works and How to Protect Yourself.
This pattern shows up elsewhere too — see What Is Crowdfunding Scams? How It Works and How to Protect Yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Catfishing?
Catfishing is when someone creates a fake online identity — often with stolen photos — to deceive another person, usually in a romantic context.
How does Catfishing typically work?
A scammer builds a fake profile using photos taken from someone else's real social media, builds an online relationship, and may avoid video calls or meeting in person while working toward an eventual request for money.
What are the warning signs of Catfishing?
Refusal to video call or meet in person, inconsistencies in their story, and photos that seem too polished (a reverse image search often reveals they're stolen).
How can I protect myself from Catfishing?
Do a reverse image search on profile photos before investing emotional or financial trust, insist on a video call early, and never send money to someone you haven't met in person.
What should I do if I think I’ve encountered Catfishing?
Stop responding immediately, do not click any links or share information, and report it to the appropriate authority. If money or personal information was already shared, act quickly to secure your accounts and report the incident.