Description: Catfishing is an act of using a false identity to lure people online. It’s important to know when you’re being catfished and the signs you need to look out for. Here are things you should do if you’re a victim of catfishing.
8 Signs You Are Being Catfished and What You Need to Do
Being catfished is not a pleasant experience, as most catfishers are out to harass or troll their victims. But, what does being catfished mean? This is an act of creating a fake identity to lure someone into a relationship online.
A catfisher can be described as a predator who builds a false identity. People who engage in catfishing are deceptive and abusive. Some would go as far as encouraging you to provide personal data, which they could use to take direct installment loans using your personal info.
You don’t want to be catfished online, as it could leave you devastated. If you suspect someone is catfishing you, you should cut ties quickly. Here are the eight signs you’re being catfished that could help you take action before it’s too late.
1. They Refuse to Pick Up Phone Calls
If you wonder “am I being catfished or is the person real?” Try to call them. Someone who is truly genuine will find the time to communicate across all channels which include picking up your calls. A catfisher will do everything to avoid revealing much about themselves, so they will usually not answer your calls and will keep giving excuses for their behavior.
2. Few Friends or Followers
An account that’s a fraud will likely not have many followers as they’re not trying to reveal their identity. The account will look as newly-made as the person who created it, had only one mission in mind. Check for the activity of followers and this person’s activity across several platforms to know if the one you’re communicating with is real or they’re catfishing you.
3. Stories that Don’t Add Up
You can pick up many clues about a catfisher just from your interactions with the person. First, when you notice inconsistencies or a story that does not make sense, you are being scammed. Some people who create these accounts forget to ensure consistency with the details they provide, like the place they work versus where they live. If they cannot answer specific questions, you should not trust them.
4. Using Stolen Photos
To know if someone is genuine, do a quick Google image search of the photos they’re using. If the photos are linked to another person’s profile, you could be the victim of catfishing. Someone running a fake account will not upload their own photos as that would make it difficult to achieve their goal.
5. Refuses to Video Chat or Meet in Real Life
A video call would expose the truth about a catfisher, so they will keep away from any such interactions. When you suggest meeting in real life, and they refuse, it should be a strong signal you’re being catfished. Someone genuine will not have a problem having a video chat if they’re not ready to meet in real life. Insisting you do everything through text is a red flag. A catfisher will waste much of your time delaying actual contact, so it’s advisable to kill the relationship immediately.
6. Asking You to Send Them Money
In most cases, catfisher accounts aim to defraud certain people. The fraudster will first build trust and ensure you believe they are who they claim to be. Later, they’ll present a very urgent case and request your support. If someone asks you to send money despite never meeting you, beware, as this could be another case of catfishing. If they want a loan or a gift, it’s a warning sign to end the communication.
7. Always Over the Top
After meeting online, if the person is constantly showering you with attention and exhibiting over-the-top behavior, it could be a sign they’re catfishing you. They understand attention can feel good, so they will do everything to make huge declarations to lure you into their web. Their plan is to make you feel special and trust them before they unleash their weapon.
8. Using Only Professional Photos
One of the tactics catfishers use to lure their victims is pretending to be very attractive. They will have many professional photos on their profiles. A profile with only professional-grade photos is a red flag. Regular people use photos taken by their family and friends. On social media, most people upload photos that highlight their day-to-day activities.
Conclusion
Like many things in life, It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Following these guidelines on how to not get catfished will save you from a lot of trouble when dealing with people online. Scrutinize any new follower or connection on social media as some of them harbor ill intentions.
Have you fallen victim to catfishing on social media? Share your experience in the comments below.
Guest Post Author:
Jade is a finance analyst and has been involved in many successful business projects with a range of companies throughout the country. She started writing 3 years ago and enjoys researching, discussing, and writing on the topics of finances, budgeting, money advice, lifestyle, and wellness. Jade loves to spend time with her family and has a lot of hobbies including hiking, riding a bike, cooking, and traveling.
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