7 Proven Strategies to Outsmart a Catfish
Hey there! Have you ever encountered someone online and wondered if they’re really who they say they are? Well, you’re not alone. The internet can be a tricky place, and it’s super easy for folks to hide their true identities.
Many people take this opportunity to create an entirely new persona online. So, the big question is, how do you figure out who’s genuine and who’s not?
In this article, we’ll discuss how to spot and outsmart a catfish. When getting to know someone online, look for a few warning signs. If you start getting those “something’s not right” vibes, we’ve got 7 handy tips to help determine whether someone is being honest about their identity or pulling your leg.
Plus, if you do catch a catfish, we’ll guide you through what to do next.
Why People Catfish
To beat a catfish at its own game, it’s crucial to understand what it is. A catfish is a person who fakes their identity online in order to trick someone specific.
Thanks to the internet, people can easily hide behind a screen. Online, you can be anyone you choose, aiming to get what you want — well, until you’re busted.
On a simpler note, a catfish might use altered or false photos to get a date. However, in a more complex scenario, known as a romance scam, a person pretends to be in love or shows fake affection and care in a long-distance relationship to gain something from their target.
For Fun
There are a few reasons why someone might catfish. Sometimes, it’s just out of boredom, not feeling great about themselves, or being unhappy in their current relationship. For these folks, catfishing can be a way to feel the thrill of a new relationship without the commitment and effort it usually requires.
For others, the goal is to have someone to talk to online. They might post fake photos because they’re not confident about their appearance. Their plan isn’t necessarily to meet up in real life, but this leaves the people who fall for them in the lurch, wasting time on a relationship built on false grounds.
Financial Motives
One of the biggest reasons people catfish is for financial gain. It’s about something other than enjoying someone’s company. Some catfishers start off planning to con their victims, while others might realize they can profit from a fabricated relationship.
There are even organized catfishing rings, like shady call centers. A group works under a leader in these setups, and multiple people might manage one fake profile.
Their endgame is to get their victims to hand over cash or personal details that can be used to access their financial accounts. In cases where victims are coaxed into sharing private photos, they can be blackmailed into paying up.
7 Red Flags to Spot a Catfish
Now that you understand catfishing and why you’d want to avoid it, let’s look at seven key signs of a catfish.
1. They’re quick to profess love
Beware if your online chat buddy is rushing to label the relationship or showers you with love declarations. This could be a catfish trying to win your trust fast. The sooner you’re smitten, the easier it is for them to take advantage.
2. They seem like a dream come true.
Catfish need to lure you in, often creating an irresistible profile. Expect fake photos, exaggerated life stories, or even lies about their job and status in life. If they seem too perfect, take a step back.
3. Compliments are their go-to.
Not only do they appear amazing, but they also can’t stop praising you. This tactic is all about making you feel good and keeping you hooked.
4. They stick to free chat platforms.
Catfish often prowl on free sites — not just dating apps but also social media sites like Facebook or LinkedIn. They prefer platforms where they don’t have to pay to find potential victims.
5. They want to keep your relationship under wraps.
If they’re hesitant about publicly announcing your relationship, that’s a red flag. They might be juggling multiple targets or already in a relationship. Plus, the more people who know, the higher the risk of them being exposed.
6. They suddenly need money.
Watch out if your online partner suddenly faces a financial crisis — a medical emergency, a tragic loss, or can’t afford to travel to meet you. These sob stories might be a setup to ask for money.
7. They always have an excuse not to meet.
If your online connection always dodges meeting in person (and they’re not just shy), it’s a strong sign of catfishing. Their goal is different from a real-life meetup.
7 Strategies to Outsmart a Catfish
Think you might be dealing with a catfish? Don’t worry- we’ve got you covered. Here are seven handy strategies to help you determine whether your online buddy is the real deal or just a fishy faker.
1. Perform a Background Check
First things first, try playing detective a bit. Hop onto Google and see what pops up about this person. Are there traces of them online? Do they have other social media profiles that match what they’ve told you? Can you verify their job or where they work?
Now, the internet is vast but only sometimes up-to-date, and you might hit some dead ends or bump into sites that want you to pay for info. If you’re hitting a wall, consider a proper background check.
You need their full name, date of birth and general location, such as state. This can reveal other names they might use, past and current addresses, phone numbers and other important details.
2. Look up Criminal Records
Running background and criminal record checks isn’t just for catching a catfish. It’s a smart move before you meet someone in person and consider getting serious with them.
With just a name and date of birth, you can sift through over 200 million records at the federal, state, and county levels. This can reveal if someone has any felony or misdemeanor offenses.
Plus, a criminal records search can give you important details, especially if they have a history of sexual offenses. This includes age, race, eye and hair color, weight, and height, if available.
3. Check for Marriage and Divorce Records
It’s common for people to fib about their marriage or divorce history. Maybe they’re worried about being judged for multiple divorces, or perhaps they’re sneaking around behind their spouse’s back.
To verify whether someone is telling the truth, you can search for marriage and divorce records in many states using the person’s name. Marriage records usually provide the names and ages of the bride and groom, along with the county and date of the marriage.
On the other hand, divorce records list the names of the petitioner and respondent, the county where the divorce took place, and the date it was finalized.
4. Perform a Reverse Phone Number Search
Have you leveled up from online chats to sharing phone numbers? Cool! Here’s a tip: try a reverse phone lookup to see who that number belongs to. You might discover that the number they gave you doesn’t match the name of the person you’ve been messaging!
5. Confirm Their Location
Want to double-check where someone actually is? Here’s a neat trick: grab an article or something they wouldn’t question online. Use the IP Logger to turn that link into a trackable one.
Send them this new link, and when they click on it, their location will ping back to you through IP Logger. Sneaky, right?
6. Use Reverse Image Search
Do you have a hunch that the photos on someone’s profile aren’t theirs? It’s time for a reverse image search. Just upload a photo from your library, iCloud, Dropbox, or Google Drive. You can do this easily on a desktop or mobile device.
7. Consider a Private Investigator
If you’ve tried everything or want to be sure about someone before letting them into your life, consider hiring a private investigator. They can do a thorough background check, a solid way to avoid scams, shady characters, and criminals.
While other methods might give you current info, a comprehensive background check digs into a person’s past. Ever wonder what secrets someone might be hiding? This could be your answer.
Wrapping It Up
Navigating the online world can be a bit daunting, right? Figuring out who’s on the other end of the screen can be challenging. The key things to remember are to look for warning signs, hold onto your money when dealing with strangers, and be super careful about sharing personal info online.
Armed with all these tools and tips, you’re now ready to outwit any catfish that comes your way. Spread the word to your friends and family — let’s all help cut down on the number of people who fall for these catfish tricks!
