Don’t Get Hooked: Catfishing

Online chatting is a land of endless possibility, where fun people and a good conversations could be right around the corner. But let's be real, the internet can be a strange place, and sometimes what lurks behind the keyboard isn't quite what it seems. You might have heard the term from the classic MTV show: catfishing.

Catfishing is when someone creates a fake online persona, complete with stolen photos and made up stories, to reel you in for their own amusement or possibly malicious intent. The good news is, with a little know-how, you can avoid getting catfished. Here's your guide to untangle your chats, without getting hooked by a catfish or snagged on a red flag.

Catfish 101: Too Good to be True? It Probably Is.

Everyone wants to meet their dream person online. But if your new chat partner is a world traveling doctor who quotes Shakespeare in six languages while rescuing baby pandas in their spare time, put down the metaphorical fishing rod. People with genuine connections can be amazing, but beware of inconsistencies. Does their story keep shifting like sandcastles in a storm? We all want to believe that gorgeous model or charming gentleman is really into us. But if someone’s online persona seems a little too perfect, your catfish detector should be going off. Trust yourself if things don’t quite add up.

Picture Perfect? Maybe Not.

We all love a good profile pic, but a lack of variety or photos that look straight out of a magazine shoot can be a red flag. Do a reverse image search (it's easier than you think!) to see if their pictures are popping up elsewhere online. If it seems like they're living a life straight out of a stock photo website, be skeptical. ‘Google Lens’ is a good tool to search their images.

Little to No Online Presence

On the other side, having little to no digital footprint can also be concerning. Most people have at least some verifiable online presence these days, be it social media profiles or mentions on other sites. If you can’t find a single trace of the person you’re chatting with, that’s not a great sign.

Inconsistent Stories and Behavior

If you're chatting with someone who writes in cryptic messages or avoids answering your questions directly, it might be time to draw the line. Does their grammar suddenly go from Shakespearean sonnets to text speak emojis after a few messages? Healthy conversation should flow naturally, not feel vague.

If the person you're talking to has conflicting information about their life, job, or interests, that's a big warning sign. Catfishes often struggle to keep their stories straight. Pay attention to changes in communication patterns or sudden mood swings too, as this could mean they are handling multiple fake profiles.

Endless Excuses

A catfishes worst nightmare is being unmasked. Does your online friend constantly avoid video chatting or meeting up? Be very careful. A quick video chat shouldn’t be a mission impossible. Legitimate reasons like privacy concerns are one thing, but constantly dodging face to face interaction is a huge red flag. If they keep promising to connect “soon” but never show up, it might be a sign they’re not who they say they are.

Requesting Money or Personal Info

Here’s a good rule of thumb - if an online friend you’ve never met in real life asks you for money, do NOT give them money. Catfishes often come up with elaborate stories to gain sympathy and cash from their victims. The same goes for requests for sensitive personal details like your address or bank info. Don’t fall for it!

Listen to Your Gut!

This is the most important tip. If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t ignore that nagging suspicion whispering in your ear. A healthy online connection should feel exciting, not stressful!

The bottom line? Use common sense, go slowly, and listen to your instincts when chatting with strangers online. Never send money or private info to someone you haven’t met face to face. If you suspect you’re being catfished, cut off contact and report it if needed.

Online chatting can be a great way to meet new people and have fun chats. By staying careful and educating yourself about the possible dangers, you can manage a healthy distance to certain red flags. With these tips you can avoid getting catfished or caught in a web of online drama.

Happy chatting!