What is catfishing?
Catfishing is the practice of creating a fake online identity to deceive another person into a relationship, usually using stolen photos and a fabricated persona. When financial fraud is involved it overlaps with sweetheart and romance scams.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
The term 'catfish' entered popular culture through a 2010 documentary and subsequent television series, describing people who create false online identities to pursue relationships. Motivations vary: some catfishers seek emotional connection through a idealised persona; others are engaged in deliberate financial fraud.
The mechanics are consistent: a profile is created using photos stolen from a real person — often a model, soldier, doctor, or oil-rig engineer with a legitimately compelling life story. The catfisher builds a relationship over months through messaging, learning what the target values emotionally, and providing it through the persona.
When the catfish is engaged in financial fraud, the structure mirrors romance scam patterns: after emotional investment is deep, financial requests begin — medical emergencies, travel costs, investment opportunities, or help with a customs problem. Each payment is justified by the fabricated relationship.
Practical verification includes reverse image searching the profile photos, noting whether the person can ever meet or video-call, and checking whether their story is internally consistent over time. Inconsistencies in claimed location, occupation, or timeline are common catfish tells.
Common red flags
- The person refuses or always has a reason to avoid video calls or in-person meetings
- Reverse image search of their photos shows them on other profiles or stock photo sites
- Their backstory has inconsistencies — claimed location, employer, or age shifts over time
- An intense, fast-moving relationship that escalates quickly
- Financial requests arising after emotional investment has built
- Their social media accounts have very few friends, old posts, or no mutual connections
What to do now
- Reverse image search their photos using Google Images or TinEye
- Propose a live video call — genuine people with nothing to hide will generally accept
- Stop all financial transfers regardless of the justification given
- Report the profile to the platform where you met
- Seek support from friends, family, or a victim support service — the emotional impact is real
Frequently asked questions
Are all catfishers trying to steal money?
Not always. Some catfish for emotional reasons — loneliness, insecurity, or a desire to experience a different identity. However, if financial requests arise at any point, the interaction should be treated as fraud regardless of the initial motivation.
Can I find out who is really behind a catfish profile?
In some cases, reverse image searches can lead to the original person whose photos were stolen. Identifying the actual catfisher is harder without law enforcement resources. Focus on protecting yourself and reporting rather than trying to unmask the individual.