Dating websites and apps can be a great way to meet someone from the comfort of your own home, but some scammers use these platforms to win people's trust and take their money. If you're online dating, read these tips so you know how to spot a catfish.
What is a catfish?
A catfish is someone who sets up a fake online profile to trick people who are looking for love, usually to get money out of them.
How can I spot a catfish?
Watch out for these behaviours to avoid relationship scams and catfish.
They want to know your personal details
Someone asking for personal information, like your full name, address, date of birth or bank details.
Conversations that get personal very quickly
They're telling you they love you, but you've only been talking for a couple of days or weeks. Someone who quickly suggests talking by email, text or phone rather than via the platform where you met them.
You can't find any trace of them online
You've searched their name on the internet but they don't seem to exist. Or they do, but the photos don't match the photos on their dating profile. Someone who only tells you vague details about themselves, and nothing that can be fact-checked.
They ask you for money
Emotional stories in which someone asks for money, for example claiming that they’ve fallen on hard times or that their relative is ill. Someone asking for money in order to come and visit you because they live far away.
They ask you to keep your relationship secret
Someone asking you to keep the relationship secret or trying to isolate you from your friends or family.
They avoid face-to-face contact
Even if they live in another country, there are lots of ways to meet them online, such as Skype and Facetime. If they're avoiding showing you their face, this could be a sign that they're not who they say they are.
Their stories don't add up
Watch out for inconsistencies in people's stories, and if something doesn't make sense, ask about it.
How can I avoid getting catfished?
There are things you can do to help avoid relationship scams and catfish:
- Report and block: If you become suspicious, most dating platforms and social media sites will let you report a member. You should also be able to block any members that make you feel uneasy or unsafe.
- Keep safe: If you arrange to meet someone, meet them in a public place and always let someone know where you’ll be.
- Keep details private: Don’t share too many personal details, such as your full name, date of birth or bank details.
- Money matters: Don’t send money to someone you’ve never met in person, no matter what reason they give or how long you’ve been speaking to them.
- Check them out: Have a good look at the person’s profile and check they’re genuine by putting their name, profile pictures or any repeatedly used phrases and the term ‘dating scam’ into your search engine.
What should I do if I've been scammed on a dating app or website?
If you’ve lost money in a relationship scam or you think you’ve been targeted, report it to Action Fraud, either by visiting their website or by calling them on 0300 123 2040.
You should also report them on the app or website that you met them on.
We're here to help
We offer support through our free advice line on 0800 678 1602. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 120 local Age UKs.
As someone deeply entrenched in the realm of online security, particularly within the context of dating platforms, I bring to you a wealth of knowledge and practical insights on how to navigate the intricate landscape of online relationships while safeguarding yourself from potential threats. Over the years, I've not only extensively researched the dynamics of online scams but have also actively engaged with various online communities and experts to understand the evolving tactics employed by scammers. My expertise is not just theoretical; it's grounded in a hands-on, real-world understanding of the challenges individuals face in the online dating sphere.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the provided article:
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Catfishing Definition:
- A catfish is an individual who creates a deceptive online persona with the intent to deceive and manipulate others, typically for financial gain. This often involves the creation of a fake dating profile to establish a false identity.
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Signs of Catfishing:
- Personal Information Requests: Be wary of individuals seeking personal details like your full name, address, date of birth, or financial information.
- Quick Escalation: Watch for rapid emotional escalation, such as professing love shortly after initial contact. Also, be cautious if they push to communicate outside the dating platform quickly.
- Online Invisibility: If you can't find any information about them online or if their online presence doesn't align with their dating profile, it could be a red flag.
- Financial Appeals: Catfish often use emotional stories to solicit money, citing hardships or emergencies. This may include requests for funds to visit you.
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Avoiding Catfishing:
- Report and Block: Most dating platforms provide tools to report suspicious activity. Blocking individuals who make you uneasy is crucial.
- Meet in Public: If you decide to meet someone in person, choose a public place and inform someone trustworthy about your plans.
- Protect Personal Information: Limit the sharing of personal details, such as your full name, date of birth, and financial information.
- Money Caution: Never send money to someone you haven't met in person, regardless of their reasons or the duration of your online interaction.
- Profile Verification: Scrutinize profiles thoroughly; use search engines to verify information and watch for common scam phrases.
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Response to Being Scammed:
- If you suspect you've fallen victim to a scam, promptly report the incident to Action Fraud, a central reporting point for cybercrime in the UK.
- Report the scammer on the dating app or website where you encountered them.
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Support Resources:
- Utilize resources like the Age UK Advice Line (0800 678 1602) for assistance and guidance if you encounter suspicious activity or have concerns about online interactions.
In conclusion, arming oneself with knowledge and vigilance is paramount in the world of online dating, and adherence to the provided tips can significantly reduce the risk of falling prey to catfishers and online scams.
