A catfish is someone who creates a fake online identity, typically of a fictional character, to lure people into relationships. This can be done for various reasons, including (but not limited to) financial gain, emotional manipulation, or simply for the fun factor.

The term "catfish" was coined in 2010 by a documentary filmmaker named Nev Schulman. In the film, Nev and his co-host Max Joseph set out to find the woman of Nev's online love interest, Megan. They discover that Megan's photos were stolen from another girl and that she was not who she said she was.

It's always a bittersweet feeling when you realize that your online crush is maybe using a fake identity to lure you. While it's easy to get caught up in the fantasy of it all, there are usually tell-tale signs that should give you pause. If you're worried you might be the victim of catfishing, here are some signs to look out for.

No video calls

While a catfish may be happy to engage in text-based communication, they will always avoid a video call. The reason is simple: they don't want to be exposed. A video call would allow their victim to see their true appearance, ending the scam. So, if you have been talking to someone online and they refuse to video chat, that's a big red flag.

Stolen images and no online presence

If you think you might be talking to a catfish online, there are a few things you can try and verify their identity. For starters, try doing a reverse image search of their profile picture. This will help you see if that photo has been used elsewhere online. If it has, that's a red flag for you. You can also check if the person is active on other social media accounts besides the one they're using to catfish others. This is usually a good indicator that someone is using a fake online identity.

Asking for money

Be very wary if you are ever asked for money by someone you met online - chances are, you are being scammed by a catfish! This is especially true if the person is approaching you and trying to build a relationship. Catfish are known to prey on their victims by asking for money under the guise of needing funds for travel, medical bills, or even to support children. If you're not careful, you could fall victim to this scam. Don't let yourself be taken advantage of - be cautious of anyone who asks for money from you online, especially if you haven't known them for very long.

Very few friends and followers

When someone has very few friends on Facebook or followers on Instagram, this could be a red flag for catfishing. That's because it is difficult for them to build up a believable online persona with a fake identity. If you're suspicious of someone's online activity, it's best to take a closer look before getting too involved.

Signs of a catfish scam