The term “catfishing” refers to the practice of creating a false identity online using false information and images with the intent to deceive, harass, or defraud. This practice is seen on social networks and dating apps and is often aimed at building relationships under false pretenses or even committing financial fraud.
In addition to establishing fictitious relationships, “catfish” may also attempt to obtain intimate images of the victim in order to blackmail them later, a practice known as “sextortion.” Identity theft is also a problem as shared information can be used for various illegal purposes.
The term “catfishing” gained prominence after the documentary “Catfish” (2010), which tells the story of Nev Schulman, who began an online relationship with someone who turned out to be completely different than he appeared.
The motivations for catfishing are varied, with a lack of trust being one of the most common reasons, according to the Cybersmile Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on digital wellness. Those who are unhappy with themselves can gain greater acceptance by creating personas that are more attractive to others.
Studies show that catfish often exhibit characteristics such as formal education and religious background, and in some cases explore their own sexual orientation. Additionally, personality traits such as sadism, psychopathy and narcissism have been linked to a greater propensity for catfishing.
Romance scams resulting from catfishing represent significant financial losses and are among the most common cybercrime reports in the United States. The phenomenon also affects teenagers, with a significant increase among Generation Z, who are often targeted by hackers to obtain private information or images.
Catfishing has also been observed on an industrial scale, with “cyber fraud hubs” being linked to human trafficking in Southeast Asia. Victims of human trafficking are forced to become scammers and create fake profiles to extort millions of dollars worldwide.
Victims of catfishing include adults on dating sites, teenagers and the elderly. The mental health impact is significant, with some victims unable to trust others and feeling ashamed about falling for the scheme.
Although catfishing itself is not specifically considered a crime, the resulting acts, such as extortion and harassment, are crimes in many jurisdictions. However, the complexity of the Internet and the difficulty of determining identities and locations complicate law enforcement efforts.
To protect yourself from catfishing, it's important to stay vigilant online, ensure account security, and use twofactor authentication. Digital education and raising awareness of warning signs are also important tools for preventing catfishing. In cases of suspicion, reports can be made to authorities and online platforms.
While catfishing is not explicitly a crime, the practices involved often involve illegal activities such as extortion and harassment, which can lead to legal action against the perpetrators. Paying attention to the signs of catfishing, protecting personal information online, and reporting suspicious activity are essential steps to prevent this phenomenon.
With CNN information