Catfishing is when someone sets up a fake online profile to trick people who are looking for love, usually to get money out of them.
A catfish uses fake photos, and sometimes a false persona, to find friends or relationship.
If you suspect you’re dealing with a catfish here are a few signs according to WebMD, to clear that suspicion:
They avoid showing their face
If you’ve been talking to someone for a while online and they refuse to video call you, they might be a catfish. They may give excuses for why they can’t do it, like a broken camera or simply that they’re shy.
A catfish usually can’t send you a candid selfie. They may have access to only a few pictures from whoever they are impersonating. So, if they can’t send you any pictures besides what is on their dating profile or social media page, they may be a catfish.
Catfish also avoid meeting up in person. They may agree to meet and then not show, come up with excuses for why they can’t meet, or avoid the topic altogether.
Their story seems too good to be true
Catfish often make up stories to fit into your life. They may tell stories about having high-level jobs or family wealth to make themselves seem more attractive.
They may invent stories designed to make you feel sorry for them, like a bad relationship or a difficult family background.
Their online accounts does not have many friends or interactions
A catfish usually develops social media accounts to make their persona seem more believable. If someone you met online has few social media friends or interactions, it is most likely that it is fake.
They super romantic from the start
A catfish is over the top romantic and may overwhelm you with loving messages or words — to distract you from asking questions about their identity. A catfish may even try to get you to commit to them in a relationship, even though you haven’t met in person.
Never send nude or sexual photos to someone you haven’t met in person. A catfish may attempt to blackmail you with the images.
They ask for money
A person you’ve never met asking for money is a huge red flag. They may ask for some cash or tell a tale about being in a tough bind.
If you are experiencing any of these signs, don’t share to much and report the account right away.
Also see: What to consider if you want to start a family in your 40s
