How do I know if I’m being Catfished?
A Catfish, contrary to popular belief, is not always your average whiskered, slippery aquatic creature. So before you start hating on fish, here are some things you should know…
Catfishing is also a term for when someone uses a different identity in order to trick another person into believing that they’re someone else online (sneaky, right!?).
A catfish lies about who they are, often going to extreme lengths to continue their lies. They tend to use social networks like Facebook, Instagram and different types of online forums. With this in mind, if you’re asking your self the question: ‘Am I being Catfished?’ read on…
Here are some signs to look out for to keep yourself safe:
- Strange grammar and odd spelling mistakes
- Asking you for money
- Elaborate and unusual stories that don’t add up
- Not wanting to Skype, Facetime or even Snapchat – this is a big red flag
If you suspect a catfish you should report it. It’s actually a criminal offence – it’s impersonation, fraudulent and people can get into a lot of trouble for it, especially if they have bad intentions. Report their profiles to the social networks as this will help you and you’ll be looking out for somebody else not to be tricked. If it’s really serious, report it to the Police.
Click ‘Read More’ for further information on Catfishing and more tips on how to spot a fake:
If you need any further advice or support join the community to speak to a digital mentor, or other members of the DTL community who may be able to share their wisdom…
