It’s easy to create a false identity on the internet. A catfish is someone assuming a false identity online to scam people out of money, exploit people for secrets, or otherwise use this false identity to the detriment of others. Learning how to spot a catfish will allow you to avoid the dangers that come with interacting with one. Here are a few of the biggest signs that someone is a catfish.
- They ask for personal information. It’s normal for someone on a dating app, for example, to ask about your hobbies or interests. That information is normal to seek out depending on the circumstance. However, asking for secrets or personal information, including anything about your finances, is a big warning sign of a catfish.
- They don’t show themselves on camera/won’t meet up in person. A catfish wants to conceal their true identity as much as possible, so if a person you’re chatting with makes up several excuses about why they can’t meet in person or join a video chat to verify who they are, be cautious. One of the easiest ways to spot a catfish is to pay attention to how they react when you ask them to verify their identity.
- They make promises that sound too good to be true. Always trust your gut when it comes to an offer or person that sounds too good to be true. Catfish will often make promises or portray themselves without any flaws to draw you in before they reveal their malicious intent.
As people get more and more clever and deceitful online, learning to spot a catfish is becoming more and more of an important skill to have. If you ever have any doubts about whether or not the person you’re communicating with online is a catfish, be sure to contact us here at Charlotte Private Investigator for help learning the truth.