Catfishing is creating a fake online identity, often with someone else’s photos, to trick a person into a relationship.
Catfishing is the act of pretending to be someone you are not online, usually to start a romantic relationship. The term was popularized by a 2010 documentary and the MTV show that followed.
A catfish typically uses stolen or heavily edited photos, a made up name, and an invented life story. The goal can be emotional, financial, or simply attention.
The warning signs are familiar to anyone who dates online. The person avoids video calls, always has an excuse not to meet, and their story has gaps that do not add up.
Catfishing overlaps with romance scams when money gets involved. A request to send funds, especially paired with a sudden crisis, is a major red flag.
Protecting yourself is straightforward. Push for a video call early, run a reverse image search on their photos, and be cautious with anyone who professes strong feelings fast but cannot meet in person. If the picture never matches reality, trust that gap.