Today, meeting new people is a click away. All you have to do is install a dating app, such as Bumble, Tinder, Hinge, or Zoosk. However, you cannot ignore the potential risks of connecting with strangers online.
One of the most frequent schemes gaining momentum due to online dating is catfishing. So many people are seeking help to avoid this scam – both for themselves and their families. The top questions include: Am I being catfished? How can I verify a person’s identity? How do you move on after falling victim to catfishing?
Luckily, you don’t have to worry anymore. Below we take a closer look at catfishing to help you solve the above problems. Read on to protect you and your loved one from the ever-expansive online dating world.
How to Identify a Catfish
A background check can help you figure out whether someone is who they say they are. The following methods can help you uncover the truth. Therefore, you can identify whether you are talking with a genuine person or a catfish.
A Reverse Image Search
With catfishing, the person on the other end creates a fake profile to lure you into a relationship. Therefore, carrying out a reverse image search will lead you to the person in their profile picture. You can then determine whether you are dealing with a catfish or not.
Use PeopleFinders to Uncover a Person’s True Identity
Using PeopleFinders’ secure database with over a billion verified public records, you can prevent fraud. Getting to identify whether a person is who they say they are is simple with a Name/Phone/Email lookup. It is a straightforward step that lets you know whether you are being catfished or not.
Use Google Image Search
Sometimes, catfish accounts use pictures from the internet. A quick Google image search will help you identify whether they own the rights to these pictures. Check information such as name, age, and address to help you identify a catfish.
Use PeopleFinders to Search for the Person
Are you looking for an accurate and fast way of looking up people? At PeopleFinders, you get to put in information about a person and get an accurate report on their identity. Use an individual’s phone number to verify their identity.
Signs You Are Being Catfished?
Do you suspect some foul play when talking with someone you met online? Apart from trusting your gut, you should pay close attention to the following signs:
They Have Multiple Social Media Apps Apart from Snapchat
Did you know that Snapchat includes a useful feature that can help you identify a catfish? The ”live selfies” ensure a user can share their real-time photos with you. You cannot use images from another account or upload pictures from the gallery. Therefore, avoid individuals that seem to have all other social media accounts apart from Snapchat.
They Avoid Video Contact and Never Meet in Person
Most catfish accounts will push for love almost instantly. Although this can be a normal occurrence with online dating, a catfish will never let you meet in person. Avoid individuals that seem to push for love but don’t want video contact or avoid meeting in person.
Their Life Seems Too Good to be Real
Catfish accounts will create fake personas with excellent careers, successful lives, and luxurious things. Pay close attention to what an individual’s profile looks like. Be cautious with accounts that seem to have it all – ensure you do a background check before engaging with these individuals.
They Want Money
A catfish scandal ends with you losing money. Therefore, keep away from people who start asking for money after a few conversations. The requests start simple, such as asking for money to pay a phone bill. However, the demands get steeper when a catfish realizes that you are willing to send money.
Moving On
Falling victim to a catfish can be a traumatizing ordeal. Leaning on your friends and family for emotional support is an excellent option at this point. It will also help to check out PeopleFinders blog for more insight into online scams.
