Catfishing involves the use of false information and images to create a deceptive online identity with the intention of tricking, harassing, or scamming others. It commonly occurs on social media platforms and dating apps, where individuals create fake personas to establish online relationships under false pretenses, sometimes leading to financial scams.
The person engaging in catfishing, often referred to as the “catfish,” may also exploit victims by obtaining intimate images for purposes of sextortion or using personal information for identity theft. The term is believed to originate from the 2010 documentary “Catfish,” where a young man’s online relationship with a person named “Megan” turned out to be an older woman.
Motivations for catfishing vary, with a common reason being a lack of confidence, according to the Cybersmile Foundation. Individuals may feel more satisfied by pretending to be someone more attractive. Other motivations include trolling, engaging in extramarital relationships, harassment, or exploring sexual preferences.
Studies suggest that catfish perpetrators are more likely to be educated men, and certain personality traits such as sadism, psychopathy, and narcissism are associated with catfishing behavior. In the United States and the UK, romance scams resulting from catfishing have led to significant financial losses, with victims facing emotional and financial consequences.
Catfishing is not explicitly a crime, but associated actions like extortion, identity theft, or harassment are criminal offenses. Jurisdictional challenges, anonymity provided by tools like virtual private networks (VPNs), and the use of AI-generated personas complicate law enforcement efforts. Legal consequences for catfishing vary by country, with some jurisdictions addressing related criminal activities.
If someone believes they are being catfished, experts recommend asking direct questions, discontinuing communication with the suspected catfish, securing online accounts, and avoiding financial transactions. Reporting the catfish to law enforcement, submitting evidence, and reporting abuse or impersonation to relevant platforms are additional steps. Increasing digital literacy, recognizing red flags, and seeking support from friends, family, or counselors are emphasized to cope with the emotional impact of catfishing.
Parents are advised to communicate with their children about online risks, encourage reporting and blocking suspicious accounts, and involve law enforcement if illegal activities are encountered. Additionally, considering the rights of children regarding online content shared by parents is recommended.