Catching a Catfish: How to Avoid Being Baited

Reading Time: 5 mins

Published: November 20, 2024

You can’t trust everything you see on the internet. But what if you meet someone online and the connection seems undeniable?

Catfishing is when a person takes information and images from other people or generates photos using AI, and uses them to create a new identity, typically online on social media platforms. The aim of this is to deceive someone else into believing they are in a friendship or relationship, usually with the intention of fraud, extortion or cyberbullying.

The concept of catfishing has gained significant attention in popular media, starting in 2012 with MTV’s “Catfish: The TV Show” which followed a catfishing victim who wanted to help others investigate their own possible catfish. The fascination with this topic is still evident today, with Netflix’s “Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare” shedding light on the story of a woman who fell victim to a catfish for 9 years.

Catfishing is the contemporary label applied to the online activities of a person who masquerades as someone else for the purpose of exploiting others. In reality, this relates to financial and sexual exploitation, and very often both.

Everyone can be susceptible to catfishing, but some groups can be particularly vulnerable, such as those who feel isolated, disconnected or lonely and young people who mistakenly see the online environment as a safe place to experiment, engage and explore their sexuality.

Not sure if you’re being catfished or if they’re the reel deal? Let’s tackle this together!

Red Flags to Look Out For

A red flag is a warning sign that indicates you might be in a dangerous situation or being manipulated by someone. Keep an eye out for these when you meet someone new online.

Is it too good to be true?

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. For example, if they appear to be out of your league, are extremely attractive and claim to be wealthy.

They mirror your interests, likes and dislikes.

They have exactly the same interests as you and reflect exactly the same challenges in life.

There is no trace of them online.

You can’t track down any other evidence of them other than the profile they’re contacting you from, they refuse to talk over voice or video call and won’t meet in person.

Conversations get personal very quickly.

You might have only been talking to them for a couple of days or weeks, but they are asking you lots of personal information or are encouraging you to open up emotionally. They may move very quickly and ask you to talk over text or email rather than on the platform you started talking on.

They ask for money.

They may say they need help with their bills being paid, or for items to be bought for them, usually under the guise of an emotional story that pulls on your heartstrings.

There are inconsistencies in their stories.

Things don’t seem to be adding up sometimes, but they will hope that you don’t notice, or that you won’t ask too many questions, if you are emotionally invested in the relationship.

Photos are blurry or grainy, and look dated.

If they are on social media, it’s more than likely that they have a smartphone, which usually have high-quality cameras. So, if their photos are low quality or dated, it might be a sign they’re using old photos of themselves to be deceptive about their age or using photos of somebody else.

Their only photos are professional ones.

A profile with no candid or casual photos and no friends or family indicates that they might not be who they say they are.

They want you to keep the relationship a secret.

Pressuring you to keep these conversations private is a tactic to isolate you from your friends and family. It prevents those close to you from pointing out that this person may be trying to take advantage of you.

The photos appear to be AI generated or heavily edited.

As technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, it’s easier now than ever before to deceive someone using a fake or heavily edited photo.

Remember: When we really like someone or we’re really excited about a new relationship, we want them to be real and can choose to ignore the red flags. If someone who cares for you thinks something is fishy, take a moment and listen to them – they might be spotting something that you don’t!

What Should You Do if You Think You’re Being Catfished?

Check Their Images

Using tools like Google’s Reverse Image Search, Pimeyes and FaceCheck, you can use the images from the person’s profile to check if they have stolen the photos or if they are who they claim to be. However, be aware these will not pick up if the image is AI generated.

Screenshot, Block and Report the Account

Take screenshots of the profile as evidence, report the account to the platform and block it as well. You can check out Our Safety Centre for help with this. You should never screenshot or share a sexualised photo of a child, instead protect yourself by reporting it immediately to the police and / or the Internet Watch Foundation.

Talk to Someone

It can feel embarrassing to admit that you might have been catfished, and you might even feel afraid. Remember, it can happen to anyone and has happened to a lot of people! Talking to someone can really help get to the bottom of it and ensure you have the support you need to protect yourself.

If you’re under 18, go to your trusted adult who will listen to you without judgement and help you!

If you’re over 18, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 to report it.

Report them to the Police

If you have been victimised by a catfish through acts such as extortion, harassment or fraud, call 101 to report it to your local police, or 999 if you are in immediate danger.

Further Resources

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Who are your Trusted Adults?

The Trusted Adult video explains who young people might speak to and includes examples of trusted adults, charities and organisations.

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Discussing Online Life With Your Child

Use our video for guidance and advice around constructing conversations about the online world with the children in your care.

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