Catfished: A Cautionary Tale of Online Scams and Deceptions

The term “catfished” is often used when a stranger reaches out to you and isn’t entirely forthcoming about their personal details. However, most catfish create an entirely false persona–nothing they share with online friends ultimately proves real. According to Review 42 , 53% of online dating profiles contain lies, 83% of Facebook profiles are fake (that’s a staggering number), $304 million was lost to romance cons in 2020 alone. If you haven’t fallen victim to a catfishing scam, you probably know someone who has. Your buddy laughs about the random, “hot Russian model” who sent him a Facebook friend request. A female friend decides to try online dating and finds the guy she “matched” with is 50, and not 25. Even the old “Nigerian Prince” emails constitute a form of catfishing. We’re going outside of the normal technology content box here, but as most of these schemes are initially perpetrated online, we feel it’s important to warn you of potential, widespread lures. Even the most intelligent and wise among us could fall prey to a catfish scheme. So what exactly is “catfishing”? Is it fair to malign and mock actual catfish with this term? How can you spot a catfish? Can catfishing put you in real danger? How can you protect yourself from falling prey to a catfish? Let’s take a look at these questions and more. Most writers will tell you that the term catfished has been around for approximately 12 years. Nev Schulman, who recorded his travails in love via the 2010 documentary Catfish , is often credited with first associating the term with romantic swindling. However, Schulman’s creative use of catfish is only a partial truth. Schulman famously released his story of failed, conned romance in the documentary, and went on to host an MTV show of the same name. In truth, Schulman did help to bring hidden, ugly romance scammers into the light. However, the term has been around, and used in a similar way, for at least a century. Today, to have been catfished means to have been duped by someone who creates a fake online profile to deceive, harm, or prank you. At its best and most benign, catfishing is a way for a lonely person to live out their fantasy and connect with another human. In 1913, a book titled Essays in Rebellion included a parable called “The Catfish,” which told the story of the catfish as a symbol of people who prod us and make us uncomfortable–keeping us alive through tension. It makes sense then, that Schulman described the 40-something married woman who posed as a 19 year-old single girl to delve into an online relationship with him as a catfish. The term “catfish” has become popular in the decade since the Catfish documentary–and is used to describe the litany of knowingly deceitful online personas who attempt to bait romantic partners. The verbs “catfishing” and “catfished” have also become ubiquitous with tales of woeful online romances. By nature, catfish are bottom feeders. Fishermen at sea often refer to them as “trash fish ” and see no practical use for the fish. So, in short–yes. The term “catfish” for predatory online trash and bottom feeders fits. If you’ve been catfished, don’t feel ashamed! Many people who never thought they’d fall prey to the practice have – men and women from varied professions and vastly different walks of life have found themselves lured in by catfish. In fact, some victims have endured the experience in the public eye. Well-known examples of people who have fallen for catfish schemes include: Although they never meet in person, Bobby controls Kirat’s life. Ultimately, Kirat discovers that Bobby is really her young female cousin, Simran. Simran watches her cousin’s life go up in flames, and does nothing to stop this. She only confesses her scheme when confronted, and her motivations remain unclear. If a stranger ever approaches you online, proceed with caution. Some catfishers are sophisticated, know how to speak to your relational longings, and can work around surface-level doubts. These schemes schemes are prevalent via online dating sites, but could start in other interest groups on social media too. Interesting statistics on catfishing include: Many catfish scams are set up by long-term con artists, looking to siphon funds from unsuspecting seekers of romance. And some victims have faced traumatic loss as a result of the schemes. Not all online dating matches lead to catfishing fraud and betrayal. However, you’re more likely to encounter catfish online than in real life – it’s much easier to create an entirely fake profile behind the mask of a computer screen. The signs may not present themselves right away, but there are red flags to look for before you find yourself hooked and in harm’s way. You may have met a fraudster and have fallen into the trap of an online dating scheme if: When in doubt, ask pointed questions. Demand to see a real time photo. Ask for a video chat. If the red flags begin to flame, cut off communication and run far away. Never, ever send a new virtual friend money. A catfished victim may have been involved with their catfish for years before discovering the scam artist’s true identity. Feelings of shame and betrayal may leave victims traumatized for years to come. Unfortunately, the damage inflicted by catfish can run to irrevocable consequences too. If you think you’re being catfished, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Here are several ways to take action: Remember, many catfish have perfected their schemes: If you fall prey, don’t feel ashamed! Use caution when developing any online relationships–romantic or otherwise. If your instincts tell you something rings fals