What is catfishing?
Definition
Catfishing is creating a fake online identity, usually with someone else's photos and a made-up story, to deceive a person into a relationship. It is often used to get money, gifts or personal information.
- Category
- Scams
- Also called
- catfish, catfishing scam
- Last updated
A catfish is a person who builds a fake profile to pull someone into an online relationship. The photos are usually taken from another person, and the backstory is invented. Not every catfish wants money: some want attention or to deceive for its own sake. But when the goal is money, it overlaps with what the FTC calls a romance scam.
How it works
The fake profile appears on a dating app, social network or game. The catfish moves fast, shows strong feelings early and pushes to take the chat to a private channel. They always have a reason not to meet or video call: they're working overseas, on an oil rig or in the military. In a money scam, the next step is a request for help with medical bills, a plane ticket, a visa or a fee. The FTC says requests for gift cards, wire transfers, payment apps or cryptocurrency are especially strong red flags.
A typical case: someone you met two weeks ago says they love you, but their camera "never works". Then they ask for $300 for a flight, to be paid in gift cards.
Why it matters
The costs are emotional and financial. Beyond money, a catfish can collect your photos, address, workplace and other details. These can be used for blackmail, or to impersonate you.
Catfishing vs. related terms
- Romance scam is catfishing aimed at taking your money. All romance scams use a fake identity, but not every catfish is after cash.
- Phishing tricks you into sharing data through a fake message. Catfishing builds a relationship first.
- Social engineering is the wider category that both belong to.
How to protect yourself
- 1
Reverse image search their photos
The FTC suggests running a profile photo through search by image. If the same picture appears under a different name, or doesn't match what they told you, it's a red flag.
- 2
Never send money or gifts to someone you haven't met
This holds even if you feel close. Gift cards, wire transfers, payment apps and cryptocurrency are the most common payment requests, and they're hard to reverse.
- 3
Ask for a live video call
A person who always has an excuse not to appear on video, month after month, is a warning sign.
- 4
Hold back personal details
Don't share your address, workplace, ID or financial details early on. A new contact can look you up anyway, so it helps to know what's findable. Serus finds where your address and phone number are listed and removes them.
- 5
Talk to someone you trust, then report
Tell a friend or family member what's happening. Report it to the dating site or platform, and to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you sent money, contact your bank or the payment service right away.
See where your personal data is exposed
Serus finds it on data brokers and people-search sites and removes it.
Frequently asked
Is catfishing illegal?
Making a fake profile isn't always a crime on its own, but fraud, extortion, harassment or impersonation can be. If someone took your money or threatened you, report it to the platform and the authorities.
How can you tell if someone is catfishing you?
Common signs: photos that look too polished or appear elsewhere, fast declarations of love, refusing video calls, excuses to avoid meeting, and eventually a request for money.
Why do people catfish?
Reasons vary. Some do it for money, some for loneliness or to hide who they are, and some to harass. Whatever the reason, it deceives the other person.
What should I do if I've been catfished?
Stop contact, save the messages and profile, and report the account to the platform. Report scams to the FTC. If you sent money, contact your bank. Change passwords if you shared any account details.
Sources
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