Catfishing Scam

Someone creates a fake online identity, often using stolen photos of an attractive stranger, to build a relationship for emotional manipulation, financial gain, or simply to deceive without necessarily asking for money.

Someone builds a fake online persona using photos and details stolen from a real person's social media, then reaches out to targets on dating apps, social media, or messaging platforms to build a relationship under the false identity. The motive varies — some catfish for financial gain, some for emotional validation or control, and some simply to deceive without ever asking for money — but the relationship is built entirely on a fabricated identity that unravels under any real scrutiny, like a video call or an in-person meeting.

• Profile photos look professionally shot or model-quality for an average dating profile.
• Inconsistent details about their job, hometown, or daily life across conversations.
• Constant excuses to avoid meeting in person or video chatting.
• A reverse image search shows the photos belong to someone else entirely.

• Reverse image search profile photos to check if they've been stolen from someone else.
• Insist on a live video call early in any online relationship.
• Be wary of inconsistent details about their job, location, or life story.
• Trust your instincts if something about their story doesn't add up.