Catfishing
What does catfishing mean in online dating?
Definition
Creating a false online persona using fake photos, information, or identity to deceive someone in a romantic context, often for emotional manipulation or financial gain.
Why it matters
Catfishing can lead to emotional trauma, wasted time, and potentially dangerous situations. Learning to identify red flags protects your safety and emotional wellbeing.
How to handle it
Verify identity through video calls before meeting, reverse image search suspicious photos, and trust your instincts if something feels off about their story or behavior.
Examples
- Photos that look too professional or model-like
- Reluctance to video chat or meet in person
- Stories that do not add up or change over time
Composed insight
Data shows 23% of online daters have encountered catfishing attempts, with financial scams being the motivation in 64% of cases involving long-term deception.