Phishing, investment scams, job scams, malware scams, and romance scams. If you've spent a good amount of time on the internet, you'd know that these are some of the most common online scams.
But if we were to rank online scams according to their prevalence, catfishing will probably be on top of the list for one simple reason: It's quite easy to pull off.
While catfish scams can be a kind of romance scam, they are also used for other malicious purposes. With the rise of romance scams due to the proliferation of dating apps, let’s dive into that side of catfishing.
Recognizing Catfish Scams
If you want to avoid getting scammed, your best protection is knowledge, specifically being able to recognize them before they even get a chance to dupe you.
So, what is catfishing?
Catfishing is when someone creates a fake online profile to trick people into thinking they’re a real person. The term "catfish" was popularized by an American documentary titled “Catfish” by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman.
In the documentary, a man described his wife using the catfish analogy, wherein a catfish is kept in a tank of cod to keep them agile and fresh. It’s a metaphor for how the catfish (the scammer) can keep the cod (internet users) aware and always on their feet.
In the context of romance scams, the catfisher often steals photos of beautiful women to try and trick lonely, gullible men into falling in love with them, usually for financial gain. They craft convincing profiles and often love bomb victims, using their feelings against them.
Now that you understand the gist of what catfishing is, let’s figure out how to find out if someone is scamming you using this malicious method.
Signs to Look Out For
Dating apps are a breeding ground for opportunistic scammers, preying on unwilling victims’ emotional vulnerability and desperation for love.
Even though dating apps now have more security features, such as profile verification, they’re still lenient towards non-verified users. The majority of dating app users aren’t verified; hence, catfish scammers use this as an advantage to blend in.
Because of this gap in security, it can be difficult to tell between a scammer and a real person. Fortunately, humans as they are, scammers often make mistakes that make them obvious even to the untrained eye.
You can spot a catfishing scammer by looking out for these red flags:
- Persistent Love Bombing
A scammer utilizes a person’s emotional vulnerability to gain trust. They shower their victims with compliments and romantic affection.
This excessive show of endearment flatters the victim, making him susceptible to manipulation. Unbeknownst to the victim, the scammer has other intentions other than being genuine.
- Inconsistent Images
A key indicator of a scammer’s profile is the images they put out. While some steal other people’s photos, others use AI to generate realistic photos.
You can tell if the photo is AI-generated by looking at it closely. Deformed fingers and limbs are often the easiest to spot. Color can also expose fake photos. They are usually unrealistically vibrant.
But the best way to check if a photo is AI-generated is to use websites and tools that can detect AI. While they aren’t 100% accurate, they will at least give you clues.
- Refusal to Video Chat or Call
While it is understandable that some users aren’t keen on doing video chats, especially if you’ve only just met them, you can find a compromise, such as sending selfies or snippets of videos of them doing something to prove they’re real.
A scammer will flat out refuse these requests because they won’t be able to hide their real identities from a live video chat.
- Immediate Request for Money
A catfisher will ask their victims for money. It is their ultimate goal, after all. They will tell you a sob story about how they need emergency funds to pay a family member’s hospital bills or start-up bank loans for their business.
It is unusual for regular dating app users to ask people for money. They understand that borrowing or asking for money from strangers is not only frowned upon but also embarrassing..
- Transitioning to a Different Platform
It’s normal for people to transition from the dating app to a chat-based app like Instagram, Twitter, Telegram, or Facebook Messenger. This usually happens when a person they matched feels comfortable showing the person who they really are.
Scammers, on the other hand, want their victims to hastily transition to another app, most commonly WhatsApp or Telegram, because they’re both encrypted and cannot be traced. They want their victims to move to an external app, so they can continue to catfish other users on the dating app.
The Global Effects: Thai Dating Scams and Catfishing Hubs
Thailand is no stranger to romance scams and catfishing. In Bangkok, dating apps, both local and international, are being used by scammers to lure in foreign nationals into thinking they will be meeting up with a beautiful Thai woman to date.
There is a BBC documentary that supports the findings of catfishing hubs in Thailand. James Blake, a digital marketing entrepreneur, found out that a large-scale scamming operation used his identity. Victims claim that they were dating James for at least six months, and some of them have forked over $13000 worth of GBP.
He then set out on a journey to uncover the scamming industry, which led him to Bangkok. There, it was discovered that scam hubs are operating inside giant building complexes. These local scam hubs were also found to be involved in human trafficking, both victims and workers of the hubs.
The local Thai population supports the eradication of these catfishing scam hubs because it paints Thais in a bad image, condemning them for preying on victims for a quick cash grab.
Catfishing is among the many Thai dating scams. Though there are worse tactics implemented by these scam hubs, it’s important to recognize that Thailand is not the only country with a fully operational romance scam industry.
Save Yourself from Catfish Scams!
Is online dating bad? Of course not. Though romance scams are prevalent, it doesn’t mean that the entirety of dating apps and matchmaking services is a fraud—there are real people like you who are looking for love.
If you ever find yourself in a situation with a catfisher or if you’ve experienced being catfished, remember to do the following to save yourself from a scam:
Trust Your Instincts - If you’re starting to feel uncomfortable in the situation, just unmatch the person. Your feelings and safety matter; you can always find someone else who values your feelings and vulnerability.
Be Cautious of Inconsistencies - If you notice something that seems off, look for discrepancies in their photos and posts. Also, consider whether their statements about themselves align with their actions. If there are more red flags found, it’s best to stop communicating.
Report to the Authorities - It’s understandable that this experience is embarrassing, but your safety and that of other online users matter. If you encounter a scammer, file a police report or call your local cybercrime department. While it can feel like a lost cause when reporting a scammer, you’re doing your part in keeping the online community safe.
The psychological effects of catfish scams can be devastating. People have been reported to have lost all their life savings to these scammers. By understanding these issues firsthand, you are equipping yourself with knowledge to protect against the dangers of online romance scams.
External References:
“Catfishing: How I hunted down the gang impersonating me online.” 2023. BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-67158022.
Harris, Aisha. 2013. “Catfish meaning and definition: term for online hoaxes has a surprisingly long history.” Slate Magazine. https://slate.com/culture/2013/01/catfish-meaning-and-definition-term-for-online-hoaxes-has-a-surprisingly-long-history.html.
Nguyen, Sen. 2024. “What is catfishing and what can you do if you are catfished?” CNN. https://edition.cnn.com/2024/01/29/tech/catfishing-explained-what-to-do-as-equals-intl-cmd.