How to Spot Catfishes While Online Dating

Being deceived online is often much simpler than you might imagine.

In my experience as a relationship coach, I’ve observed a surge in the popularity of online dating. However, as the industry expands, so does the prevalence of fraudulent dating profiles. In fact, approximately 13% of adults in the UK report having encountered a catfish online.

Yet, this figure only accounts for those who recognized they were being catfished.

A catfish is a deceptive dating profile featuring a false identity, utilizing genuine or counterfeit

Authenticity of Profile Pictures: Real or Fabricated?

Are They Too Good to Be True?

Be wary of excessively flawless photos. If every image appears straight out of a magazine, consider it a warning sign. Catfishers frequently utilize professional or pilfered images of celebrities or models to enhance the allure of their dating profiles.

Moreover, many catfish profiles may lack additional imagery. Conversely, a genuine profile typically showcases a blend of close-ups, group shots, and snapshots from various life occasions. Conducting a reverse image search can unveil the origin of the image online, potentially exposing the genuine profile from which the catfisher pilfered it.

» Consider utilizing more secure dating platforms such as Match or Zoosk, which employ photo verification.

Scrutinize for Signs of Manipulated Images

Look out for inconsistencies, ranging from the individual’s physical appearance to the quality of the images. Discrepancies in physical features or hairstyles across various images could indicate a fabricated profile.

Additionally, assess for inconsistencies in lighting or backgrounds. Furthermore, irregular granularity or pixel quality in photos may suggest that they are screenshots or sourced from another platform.

Request Recent Selfies

Catfishers typically struggle to provide recent or updated selfies upon request. This is often because they rely on someone else’s images and are unable to procure new ones.

Hence, if they evade or resist sending current selfies, it could be an indication of a catfish.

Dubious Catfisher Behaviors

Inconsistencies in Their Narratives

Typically, catfishers fabricate an entirely fictitious identity, leading them to concoct details on the fly. They may alter facts about their age, whereabouts, or life experiences, resulting in a tangled web of falsehoods that they struggle to keep straight. Consequently, they may inadvertently overlook previously mentioned details.

A friend of mine believed she was conversing with the offspring of a well-known personality. However, upon probing further, she detected discrepancies in the individual’s narrative. Eventually, she managed to authenticate that certain information provided by him was erroneous.

Avoidance of Video Calls or Face-to-Face Encounters

Similar to their reluctance to provide updated photos, catfish profiles typically shy away from video calls or in-person meetings. They often fabricate excuses or adamantly decline such interactions to preserve their counterfeit identity.

Nevertheless, it’s essential to note that not everyone feels at ease with live calls. Therefore, consider this behavior as potentially suspect only when it aligns with other dubious conduct.

Solicitation of Money or Attempted Fraud

Catfish profiles may endeavor to elicit personal details, including your address, financial information, or passwords, with the intention of exploiting or defrauding you. Frequently, they concoct tales of urgent financial need, citing emergencies or crises to manipulate you into providing funds.

For instance, one of my clients matched with an attractive woman online. However, within just two days of conversation, she claimed to be facing a vehicular “emergency” and solicited funds from my client to rectify it.

Unusual Grammatical and Linguistic Errors

Pay close attention to their writing style. Catfish profiles may exhibit inconsistent use of emojis, grammatical errors, or peculiar language patterns.

These anomalies could be attributed to foreign catfishers whose primary language is not English or to multiple individuals managing the account.

Protect Yourself from Catfishers

Exercise caution when encountering extremes. If someone appears too flawless, chances are they’re not genuine. Trust your instincts; if something feels amiss, it likely is. Moreover, if you’re being solicited for money by someone you don’t know well, consider it a significant warning sign.

Lastly, opt for a reputable dating platform that conducts background checks on its users. This additional security measure can shield you from online manipulators and provide peace of mind during your dating journey.