Online dating has become an increasingly popular way to meet new people, offering the convenience of connecting with singles far beyond the local coffee shop. However, the rise in digital romance also brings the darker side of the internet: scammers, often posing as ideal partners, luring victims into fake relationships for financial gain. These catfishing romance scams can be tricky to spot, but experts share crucial signs to watch out for to stay safe in the online dating world.
What is Catfishing?
Catfishing occurs when someone creates a fake online persona to deceive another person into a romantic relationship. While it initially referred to misleading someone into a date by presenting a false image, the term has since evolved. As Dr. Betsy Chung, clinical psychologist and relationship expert at RAW dating app, explains, “Catfishing is now used to satisfy a range of desires, from sexual gratification to emotional manipulation or even financial exploitation.”
Online catfishing can take many forms, and the motivations behind it vary. Some individuals use it as a way to gratify personal desires, others as retaliation or to initiate an affair, while many scammers are driven purely by the desire to steal money.
Red Flags of a Catfish Scammer
If you’re chatting with someone online who seems almost too perfect, there might be more to the story. Scammers often shower their targets with excessive compliments, making them feel special and earning their trust quickly. “They might make big promises, saying things like, ‘I’ve never felt this way about anyone before,’ even if you’ve only known each other for a short time,” warns Dr. Brooke Keels, Chief Clinical Officer at Lighthouse Recovery.
Other signs that suggest you’re dealing with a catfish include:
- No Face-to-Face Interaction: If you’ve been talking for a while but haven’t had a chance to speak via video or meet in person, be cautious.
- Inconsistent Stories: If their stories seem to contradict themselves or don’t add up, it’s a major warning sign.
- Avoiding Meetings: If they consistently make excuses for not being able to meet, whether virtually or in real life, it’s a red flag.
- Lack of Online Presence: Try searching for their profile or photos online. If they don’t exist or can’t be traced, it’s likely a scam.
Common Catfishing Romance Scams
Catfish scams have evolved with technology, but some common types continue to target unsuspecting victims. Among the most frequent are military romance scams, sugar daddy scams, and cryptocurrency frauds.
Military Romance Scam: This scam involves a fraudster pretending to be a member of the military, often stationed overseas. They leverage the emotional appeal of being in the military, claiming that their job or location makes communication difficult. “They use these excuses to manipulate the victim into believing their fabricated story,” says Dr. Keels.
Crypto Investor Scam: In this variation, the scammer pretends to be a successful cryptocurrency investor, living a life of luxury. They promise the victim they can make them rich through crypto investments, only to later request money for a supposed investment or transfer of funds.
Sugar Daddy Scam: In this version, the scammer presents themselves as a wealthy individual promising lavish gifts or trips in exchange for affection. However, once the victim is emotionally invested, the scammer manipulates them into sending money or revealing personal information.
Tips for Avoiding Romance Scams
To avoid falling victim to a catfish, relationship expert Dr. Terri Orbuch advises trusting your instincts and proceeding cautiously. She suggests researching the person you’re engaging with online by checking their photos, verifying any information they share, and asking questions to clarify any doubts.
One of the best ways to ensure you’re not dealing with a scammer is to request a video call. Scammers often make excuses to avoid face-to-face interaction, so if someone consistently refuses to meet virtually or provides vague reasons, it’s time to be wary. “A genuine person will be excited to connect face-to-face, even if it’s just through a screen,” Dr. Keels adds.
If you suspect you’re being targeted by a catfish, it’s crucial to end all communication and report the incident to the platform administrators or appropriate authorities. While online dating can be a rewarding way to meet new people, staying vigilant and aware of the warning signs of romance scams can help protect you from being taken advantage of.
