The internet allows us to connect with people around the world in friendly, professional, and even romantic scenarios. Globally, about 381 million people are looking for a connection on digital dating platforms. However, they are not the only inhabitants of these apps.
Romance scammers, sextortionists, and other dating app scammers often target vulnerable online daters and exploit their inclination to be blinded by their search for love. Catfish on Dating Apps don’t just break hearts — they often aim to steal money, personal information, or manipulate their victims emotionally.
According to Pew Research Center, 52% of Americans believe they’ve matched with a scammer throughout their online dating experience. There’s a high chance you will cross paths with a catfish, but knowing how to spot them and seeking support from experienced professionals can help you avoid online dating fraud.
What Is Catfishing?
A catfish is a person who creates a fake online identity to deceive other online users, typically with the goal of emotionally manipulating them to achieve a desired outcome. This is often financially motivated with scammers preying on unsuspecting online daters and using social engineering to get them to divulge personal information or money.
Common platforms used by catfishes include:
- Dating apps such as Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble
- Social media platforms, especially ones that promote image sharing
- Messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal
These schemes are effective because many online daters willfully ignore conspicuous behaviors out of a desire for love. These scammers carefully craft their personas with compelling images and convincing backstories. Some may be unaware of the common signs of catfishing, so read on to learn the signals that can help you spot a fake account.
How to Spot a Catfishing Scam: 10 Red Flags to Watch For
Before you dive into reporting or potentially perusing legal action against a catfish, you have to first know how to spot one from legitimate dating app users. These schemes are often run by likeminded scammers, many of which work within larger crime networks. As such, there are some commonalities that can allow you to recognize a catfish before they inflict harm.
Their Photos Look Too Perfect (Or Can’t Be Verified)
If their photos look too good, almost professionally done, it may be a sign that they’ve repurposed images from around the internet. If they refuse to send you pictures that aren’t featured in their profile, it may be an indicator that they are not original photos and instead come from a finite source of stolen content.
They Avoid Video Calls or In-Person Meetings
While the internet eliminates the restriction of only dating people in your close proximity, a refusal to meet face-to-face should raise concerns. Travel may not be feasible, but if the person you are talking to constantly has internet connection issues, broken web cams or microphones, and an endless list of other excuses not to join a video call, you should question if they are intentionally hiding their identity.
Their Story Doesn’t Add Up
Inconsistencies in their life story, occupation, and location or inability to keep details of your relationship straight should set off alarms in your head. At best, they are likely talking to multiple people online. At worst, you’ve come across an online dating fraudster.
Quick Declarations of Love or Intense Emotion
Online interactions can move quickly, and harmless flirting is common in the initial stages of a digital romance. However, you should be wary of rapid and passionate declarations of love along with attempts to make the relationship serious quickly. ‘Lovebombing’ is a common tactic used by online dating scammers to gain the trust of their victims early in the interaction.
Requests for Money or Gifts
Anyone who immediately asks you to send them money or items of value should raise concern. These requests are often accompanied by explanations such as medical emergencies, travel expenses, legal assistance, or funds to purchase a home for the “couple” to share. However, you should never pay someone you don’t know online, regardless of the intriguing stories they may spin your way.
They Won’t Share Verifiable Personal Information
If your online love interest refuses to give you further insight into their personal life, they may be trying to prevent you from verifying the legitimacy of their online identity. Furthermore, if they lack any additional digital footprint like having no external platform presence or inactivity on social media, this may be a sign that they are running a catfish account.
Their Language Seems Off
Many of the schemes are run by cybercrime rings located overseas. Specifically, there are hotspots for online dating fraud operations in Nigeria, Thailand, the Philippines, the Dominican Republic, the Ivory Coast, and Eastern Europe.
The borderless nature of online dating can cause language barriers, but poor grammar, mismatched communication styles, or generic responses from a supposed native English speaker can be a sign of a catfish following a script.
They Pressure You to Move Off the App Quickly
Just as a lack of external online presence can be a red flag, so too can a suspicious push to move the conversation to a different platform with less intense monitorization. If your online suitor is desperately trying to migrate to messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram, you should evaluate the intent of their communications.
Multiple Accounts or Profile Changes
Catfish accounts often get reported and have their profiles banned, leading them to open new accounts and recycle the same stolen information. If you find multiple accounts online that share the same photos, profile names, and general information in their bio with slight alterations, you are likely conversing with a catfish.
Friends and Family Express Concern
Your support system may be able to pick up on concerning details that your quest for love has shielded from your better judgement. If your family and friends feel that your interaction seems fishy, or your newfound interest wants you to hide the details of your correspondence from them, it can be a massive indicator that online dating fraud is taking place.
What To Do If You Suspect Someone Is Catfishing You
If you notice any of the aforementioned characteristics in your remote romantic rendezvous, you should quickly cut off the line of communication. Early detection and discontinuation of interactions with dating app scammers can prevent or mitigate the impact. The following course of actions can also help protect you from romance scams:
- Stop Sending Personal Information or Money: Immediately cease sharing sensitive data or sending financial support. If you’ve already sent money, you should quickly take action to try to recover lost funds.
- Conduct a Reverse Image Search: One of the easiest ways to confirm a profile’s legitimacy is through the images they’ve posted. Use tools like Google Images to check if their photos appear elsewhere on the internet.
- Ask Direct, Verifiable Questions: Many of these facades begin deteriorating the deeper you look into them. Test their story by requesting details only a legitimate person would know.
- Report the Catfish to the Dating App: Informing the system administrators of the platform can encourage them to investigate and remove dating scammers while also protecting you and others from harm.
- Document All Communications: You will need evidence of the crime committed against you if you opt to pursue charges against the cybercriminal. Save messages, images, and profiles in case legal action is needed.
- Seek Help from Digital Investigators: If you’re unsure whether the person you’re speaking with is legitimate, trained digital investigators can help. Their tools and experience allow them to analyze online evidence, trace identities, and support victims of Catfish on Dating Apps.
How Digital Investigators Help Victims of Dating App Scams
If you believe you’ve encountered a catfish but need confirmation, digital investigators can help clarify the situation. These professionals specialize in uncovering the truth behind online identities and equipping victims with the evidence they need.
Identity Verification Services
By examining metadata within shared files and profiles, investigators can uncover crucial details such as the origin of images, any edits made, and even the type of device used. They also conduct broad internet searches, including on the dark web, to find out if the same content is being reused elsewhere. This helps determine whether a person’s photos and name are authentic or part of a fabricated persona.
Tracing Scammers and Preventing Further Harm
In addition to verifying identities, investigators can trace IP addresses and pinpoint locations. If necessary, they may work in coordination with law enforcement agencies that have the authority to act on international online fraud cases.
Support in Financial Fraud Cases
If financial loss has occurred, specialists can analyze transaction records and communication data to track where the money went. Their findings can also serve as documentation in disputes over fraudulent payments or in support of legal claims.
Protecting Yourself on Dating Apps: Best Practices
This article has probably left you utterly terrified of online dating. However, it can be safe, and you can make real-world connections through these platforms. Being aware of the dangers doesn’t mean you need to avoid dating apps completely, but it can help you elude the scammers that they provide an avenue for.
The following practices can help you avoid these pitfalls and safely participate in online dating:
- Never send money or private information to someone you haven’t met.
- Keep communications within the app until trust is established.
- Verify profiles through social media, video chats, and mutual connections.
- Stay cautious of fast-moving, deeply emotional conversations.
Suspect a Catfish? Don’t Stay Silent
If you’ve spotted some characteristics that lead you to believe you’re conversing with a catfish, you’ve already won half the battle. The earlier in your communication that you recognize these red flags, the sooner you can begin taking steps to remedy the situation and mitigate the harm.
Remember, you are not alone — this happens to millions of people, and there are professionals who can help. If you believe you’re being targeted in a catfishing scam, don’t wait to act.
