Catfishing on Internet
Catfishing has existed for as long as the internet. The term “catfishing” was coined in 2010 with the debut of the documentary “Catfish.” Catfishing became a known word in 2012 with the launch of the MTV series “Catfish.” Catfishing other people is carried out for a variety of purposes. It may either be driven by insecurities, identity deception, vengeance, harassment, or any other reasons that lead people to catfish. Now, let’s learn more about this online phenomenon as we discuss it in depth.
What is Catfishing?
Catfishing happens when someone creates a fake internet profile in order to defraud someone seeking love. And the defrauding part is usually driven by the motive of generally leeching for money. Catfishing is when someone exploits images or pictures and information to establish a new online persona, sometimes adopting a certain individual’s whole identity. Catfishing is the practice of claiming to be someone else to trick someone into falling in love with the imposter. To that purpose, the catfisher typically employs made-up stories and bogus images to bolster their phony persona.
There are several reasons why people catfish. Some of them are more “innocent.” Other people, for one, catfish because they are lonely or unappreciated in a culture that does not deem them attractive. Some of the catfisher’s purpose is frequently to develop an online identity to attract individuals they believe would be uninterested in them in real life. Catfishing occurs mostly on social media platforms and online dating sites or apps. In this post, we will learn about some of the most prevalent causes and motivations for catfishing and how this fraud appears.
Signs You’re Being Catfished
No other online or internet presence on other platforms
These days, the majority of our presence is online. As a result, you should anticipate that if someone is active on one social media site, they should also be active on others. It is especially true when it comes to a younger audience, where catfishing is common.
Now, don’t be too trusting. It’s time you become skeptical and ask the whys. Why doesn’t that gorgeous fitness model on Tinder have proof of her job on her social media? If someone you just met has a poor online presence, ask why. It might be a red flag, especially when paired with other warning indications.
Recently created profile
A newly created social media profile might be a red flag. Notwithstanding, it’s still also a bad sign if a profile has a reasonable amount of friends or followers, yet something still appears “fishy.”
A newly established profile might indicate that someone is a novice to a social media platform. However, it is possible that they routinely make bogus profiles to recruit fresh catfish victims. After all, when a profile is flagged on a social media platform, it is frequently deleted. As a result, catfishers frequently establish many phony profiles, either sequentially or concurrently.
A social media with only very few friends and followers
When someone approaches you online and has very few Facebook friends or Instagram followers, this might be a warning indicator for catfishing. Most individuals use social media to interact and stay in touch with others online. A solid online group with whom to connect or interact is part of the process.
Of course, this does not necessarily and automatically indicate the presence of a catfisher. If a profile lacks this social circle, it might be because the user is new to the site or prefers not to have excessive contacts. It might also imply that keeping in contact with family, friends, coworkers, and acquaintances is not their core objective while using social media. Even so, be wary of profiles with a small number of friends or followers.
Avoiding any call, especially video calls
Catfishers prefer to avoid circumstances in which their true identity is revealed. As a result, they will never consent to a video chat or a face-to-face encounter. They frequently refuse to take regular phone calls. However, there are instances where a catfisher will take a call but with the condition that it be without video involved. After all, their voice might reveal information they don’t want you to know, such as whether they are a male or a woman. From that place, if someone you met online consistently makes reasons not to meet up or have a video conversation. This should be a clear red signal for catfishing.
Using stolen pictures
It’s no secret that using stolen images online is a far more serious indication of malicious intent than using stock, professional images. If someone is utilizing stolen images, they are trying to con you. After all, one of the most prevalent motives for creating fake accounts is to swindle others on social media.
It is generally relatively simple to determine whether someone exploits stolen images on social media. Use Google reverse image search to find images that are identical to the ones used by your suspected catfisher and discover where they came from. To begin your search, go to Google Images and click on the small camera icon to upload an image or enter the URL of a photo.
Asking and leeching for money
One of the most obvious clues you’re dealing with a catfish is when someone’s trying to leech money out of you. After all, one essential piece for catfishing individuals is creating justifications to ask them later for money. Consider this: How likely would you ask someone you met online for money, especially if you hope to develop a connection with them?
Asking for obscene videos or pictures
Asking for sexual photos or videos might be a major red flag. It might signify that the user behind is attempting to integrate catfishing with another serious type of cybercrime: sextortion. Catfishing is employed in this situation to get sensitive photographs of you, which are then used as leverage to coerce you into supplying more explicit images. The catfisher could also use your erotic images to blackmail you into sending them money.
Is Catfishing a Crime?
If you’ve watched the MTV show Catfish, you may be familiar with the episode in which hosts look for a probable phony profile to expose someone trying to catfish online. While most people would never encounter a catfish, the notion is all too familiar. Catfishing may appear to be an innocent behavior. But using someone else’s picture to communicate with people online may swiftly escalate into something more.
Catfishing is not unlawful in and of itself. The act of using another’s image and communicating with people online is not yet illegal, but it is frequently a precursor to unlawful activity. Here are a few instances of how catfishing may turn into a crime:
- Illegally exploiting copyright and trademarks, such as using another’s copyrighted work to mimic them online
- Identity theft that results in the use of another person’s personal or financial data
- Fraud, such as urging people to give money or products
- Soliciting children or engaging minors in a crime
- Unauthorized access to a system or network
- Recording or photographing persons without their consent
- Hacking; Damaging systems or computers or introducing computer viruses
As the internet world becomes a larger part of our daily lives, it is critical to recognize what behaviors are and are not lawful. The online world may look like the Wild West, but what occurs there have very serious consequences. If you are charged with a felony related to catfishing, consult with an attorney to learn about your strongest defenses.
What to do if you realized you’re being catfished?
Whatever transpires, individuals who fall into the catfisher trap are usually harmed, especially if you have formed unique bonds with the person. The challenging part is that you’ve never met this person. It was simply an online dating situation. But you still feel betrayed.
It stings, especially when you believe you know who someone was. It is acceptable to feel horrible, but you have to be willing to go through some healing process. You should do your best to accept what is and move forward. From that place, here are a few ways to deal with catfishing.
Do not pay heed to the elaborate tales and stories
Catfishers are experts at playing on people’s emotions. It should tell you something if they rush in to give you dramatic accounts about their upbringing, personal family troubles, or financial concerns. Why would someone you’ve just met or barely know open up and tell you so much about their life? It’s because they seek to develop an instant intimate bond or connection with you. Hence, as much as possible, avoid such people.
Do not reveal your face if they are not showing theirs.
After conversing with them online, you might meet someone who seems serious and interested in you. But then they refuse to Skype or do any other video call. They prefer written letters and audio and never show their face behind the screen. They may even express their delight at meeting you. However, something odd happens whenever you plan to meet, and the date is canceled. That is a red flag. If you are dating someone who acts like this online, it is best to end the relationship as quickly as possible.
Look at their social media presence.
Although a social media presence does not reveal a person’s true identity, it’s a reassuring move to attempt to keep an eye on their social media pages. In the comment area, look at the people engaging in the post. Consider even the smallest details, channel that female investigator in you. Look out for how many friends they have and how the user interacts with others. Also, keep track of how much stuff they post and tag.
If you’re being catfished, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Enlist the help of family members. Be open to receiving advice from family, friends, or a therapist, whoever can help you improve. Be patient with the therapist, and positive results will follow. Spend time with friends that understand and accept you for who you are. Never allow someone to make you feel less than you are. You are fine the way you are, and it is not your fault.
