Are you looking for love online? While the Internet can be a great place to meet people, it can also be a breeding ground for fake identities and people who are not who they say they are. As an 18-year-old student, it can be hard to tell if someone is genuine or if they are a “catfish” — someone who pretends to be someone else online. In this article, we’ll provide you with tips and tricks to help you spot a catfish online so you can stay safe and enjoy your online dating experiences.
Research the profile.
If you’re worried someone you’ve been chatting to online might be a catfish, the best way to protect yourself is to research their profile. Take a look at their social media accounts, Google their name, and see what you can find out about them. It’s also worth running a reverse image search to double-check that the profile photos they’re using are actually theirs. Doing this research will help you feel more secure when talking to someone online, and make sure you’re not falling prey to a catfish.
Check the pictures.
If you’re trying to spot a catfish online, take a look at the pictures. Catfish will often use pictures of other people to try and pass themselves off as someone else. Try reverse image searching the pictures to make sure the person is real. If the pictures are from multiple sources, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with a catfish. Don’t forget to trust your gut — if something feels off, it probably is.
Ask for proof.
If you’re suspicious about someone online, don’t be afraid to ask for proof! A good way to do this is to ask them to video chat with you, or to send you a photo of them. This way you can make sure they are who they say they are. Don’t be afraid to ask, it could save you from a catfish!
Monitor their stories.
If you’re worried your online crush might be a catfish, pay attention to their stories. See if they remain consistent or if they change with each telling. If their stories are too perfect or too unbelievable, they might not be telling the truth. It’s also important to look out for any red flags, like if they’re refusing to video chat or if they’re constantly asking for money. Be smart, stay safe, and don’t put yourself in a vulnerable position.
Request a video call.
Video chatting with someone is one of the surest ways to spot a catfish online. After you’ve been chatting with someone online for a while, it can’t hurt to ask to video chat. That way you can make sure they look like their profile picture, and that they are who they say they are. Requesting a video chat is a great way to get the real scoop on someone!
Trust your intuition.
Trust your intuition when it comes to spotting a catfish online. If something seems off, it likely is! Don’t be afraid to take a step back and question the person’s motives. There’s no need to be paranoid, but make sure that the person you’re talking to is who they say they are.
