What catfishing means
Catfishing is creating a fake online identity to trick someone, usually into a romantic or sexual relationship. A catfish uses someone else's photos, a made-up name and a false story.
The term comes from the 2010 documentary Catfish and the MTV show that followed. Motives range from loneliness or insecurity to fraud, blackmail and harassment.
Catfishing is common on dating apps, social media and adult sites, and the same tricks are used in romance scams that cost UK victims tens of millions of pounds a year.
Warning signs
They will not video call or meet, and always have an excuse. Their photos look like a model's or are very few, and a reverse image search finds them under another name.
They move very fast, saying "I love you" early, and soon have a crisis that needs money: a medical bill, a stuck payment or travel costs. Requests for gift cards, crypto or bank transfers are a huge red flag.
Their story has gaps or changes, and they want to move you off the app quickly to WhatsApp or another chat.
How to check someone is real
Do a reverse image search of their photos using Google Lens or TinEye. Look for social media with a long history and real friends.
Ask for a video call early. Real people will usually agree; catfish rarely do.
On adult and escort sites, the same rules apply; our guide to spotting fake profiles and scams explains the deposit scams to watch for.
If you have been catfished
Stop all contact and do not send any more money. Keep screenshots of messages and profiles, then report the profile to the app or site.
In the UK, report fraud to Action Fraud (actionfraud.police.uk, or 0300 123 2040) and tell your bank straight away if you have sent money. If someone is threatening to share intimate images, contact the police and the Revenge Porn Helpline.
Being catfished is not your fault: catfish are skilled at manipulation. Our guide to your privacy has tips on staying safer online.
Your questions, answered
What does catfishing mean?
Pretending to be someone else online to deceive someone, usually romantically.
Is catfishing illegal in the UK?
Catfishing itself is not always a crime, but fraud, blackmail and harassment linked to it are.
How can you tell if someone is catfishing you?
They avoid video calls and meeting, their photos appear elsewhere online, and they ask for money.
