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Tuesday, November 26, 2024

7 Signs You’re Getting Catfished Online

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Catfishing is when a person creates a fake online persona, with the hopes of initiating a relationship with a victim, build trust and extract personal information. Some catfish hope to get money or an easy ticket to a new country.

 

 

Signs You Are Being Catfished

They ask for money

This is one of the most obvious – and dangerous – moves by a catfish. Technically, it is defined as romance fraud. The catfish abuses your ‘love’ and loyalty to them in getting a quick pay-out. A larger request is an even bigger red flag. Always be wary of sending money to people you’ve just met online.

 

 

Refusing phone/video calls, cancel IRL dates

Catfishers use fake photos lure in potential victims. If you meet someone online who constantly refuses to pick up your calls – especially video calls – or makes up excuses why they had to cancel a date – you got yourself a giant catfish. Sure, they might be shy, but if they are enthusiastic to make plans – only to cancel time and again – get out!

 

 

RELATED: 6 Signs It’s Time To End Your Relationship

 

 

They have few friends, little online interaction

Anyone who has a profile on social media would have posted, shared or have been tagged in something. They would also have a good few friends: from work, neighbourhood or family members. But a catfish does not want to be known or caught. And because of that, they will have few followers and friends online. Another red flag is if they do not have any other linking social media accounts.

 

 

 

The relationship is going too smoothly (ft. love bombing)

They say they love you, and cannot live without you: yet you slid in their DMs last night. Red flag! Of course, feeling adored and getting some romantic attention feels good, we don’t want to be too skeptical of affection. Unfortunately, the catfish will bomb you with love, and shower you in compliments and over-the-top affection. All in an effort to lure you in, and let your guard down.

 

 

They do not use their own photos

Even if someone is pretty private about their lives, online. It is a rarity to not find a trace of someone with a simple Google search. Catfishes usually take selfies or photos from other people’s social media pages. And if you see your online partner’s photos appear on someone else’s page, this could be warning that they do not look the way you think, or who they say they are at all!

 

 

RELATED: Are You Overthinking Your Relationship?

 

 

Their online profile is new or recently created

Most people use the same account for years. Be on alert, when talking to someone whose account was only recently created, or if they do not have other social media accounts, or all their accounts are new.

 

 

Some things don’t add up, or sounds too good to be true

If they spin wild stories about their travels, past relationships or their immense wealth: your online lover might be trying to manipulate you. Be careful when letting them into your life or sharing personal information: the catfish often crafts stories to fit into your life. Everyone slightly exaggerates their lives to impress. But if they cannot seem to stick to a story, it could mean they were making it up.

 

 

 

Zahraa Schroeder
Zahraa Schroeder
Zahraa writes articles about climate change, world conflict and celebrities. She received her Diploma in Journalism and Media Studies from Damelin, and has garnered more than four years’ experience in the radio industry. She is short for no reason and loves talking to strangers on the bus.

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