If you’ve been communicating with someone online and you’re not sure if they’re being truthful about who they are, you may be the victim of catfishing. Catfishing is when someone creates a false identity online to trick people into thinking they are someone else. Keep reading to learn how to find out if you’re being catfished.
Verifying Their Identity
There are a few different ways to verify the identity of the person you are speaking to online. One way is to ask them for their social media profile links. If they hesitate or refuse to give them to you, this could signify that they are not who they say they are. If they do share their profiles, take some time to look through their photos and posts. This should help you figure out more information about them. You can use this information to ask specific questions, like where they went to high school. They won’t hesitate to give you the correct answer if they’re legitimate.
You can use an online tool such as Google Images to compare the photos that the person has sent you with those available online. If there is a large discrepancy between the two sets of images, then it is likely that you are being catfished. A real people search engine allows you to search for people by name and location. The site will then search its database for matching records. If it finds a match, it will display the person’s full name, age, address, and other public information. This is a great way to find out if the person is using a fake profile.
Identifying Red Flags
There are several red flags to look out for when determining if you might be being catfished. One of the most obvious is if the person you’re talking to seems too good to be true. They may have an incredible job or have a perfect life that they’re eager to share with you. If everything about this person sounds too good to be true, it’s because it is. Another major red flag is if the person you’re speaking with refuses to meet in person or video chat with you. A legitimate person would want to see and speak with you to get to know you better. If the other person keeps coming up with excuses as to why they can’t meet up, there’s a good chance that they’re not who they say they are.
If the person you’re chatting with constantly asks for money, that’s another huge red flag. No one should ever ask you for money before meeting in person, and if they do, it’s likely a scammer looking for ways to take advantage of you. If the conversations you have with this person are always negative or drama-filled, that could also be a sign that something isn’t right. Healthy relationships are typically positive and supportive, so if the conversations you’re having are filled with anger and hostility, it’s likely not a real relationship.
Spotting a Fake Profile
One of the most obvious signs of a fake profile is the lack of photos. If the profile only has one or two photos, or if the photos are all from different periods, the profile is likely fake. Also, be suspicious if the photos are too good to be true. Fake profiles often use photos of models or celebrities, which may not be realistic for someone you’re likely to date. If the profile includes a lot of grammatical errors or misspelled words, you may want to proceed with caution. People who are serious about finding a partner generally take the time to write a well-crafted profile. Finally, if the person messaging you is asking for money or personal information, it’s likely that the profile is fake. Legitimate dating websites will never ask for money or your credit card number. If you encounter someone who is asking for this information, it’s best to report them to the website.
The most important thing to remember when trying to determine if you are being catfished is to be aware of the signs. By following this guide, you’ll end up on more truthful and fulfilling dates.