What is catfishing?
Catfishing refers to the practice of creating a fictitious online identity, often with the intent to deceive or defraud. The term was popularized by the 2010 documentary Catfish, which followed a man who discovered the woman he had fallen in love with online was not who she claimed to be.
Common tactics used in catfishing include assuming a fake name or age, using someone else’s photos, and fabricating personal details and life events. Catfishers will cultivate relationships online, building intimacy through daily communication, before ultimately extracting money, gifts, or other benefits from their victims. The motivations behind catfishing vary, but often involve a desire for romance, attention, sympathy, revenge, or financial gain (Wikipedia).
With the proliferation of online dating, social media, and anonymous communication platforms, catfishing has become increasingly common. However, the deceptive and manipulative nature of the practice raises ethical and legal concerns.
Catfishing demographics
Catfishing scams target people of all ages, but certain demographics are more vulnerable than others. Studies show older men are frequently targeted for catfishing and financial fraud. According to one report, the average loss for catfishing victims over 70 was over $10,000, substantially higher than other age groups (Source). This is likely because older adults tend to have more savings and assets than younger demographics.
Why are older men especially susceptible to catfishing? Loneliness and isolation can make older adults more trusting of supposed online romantic interests. Scammers exploit this desire for connection and companionship. Additionally, cognitive decline may make some older individuals less discerning about suspicious online activity. Overall, older men who are widowed, divorced or single tend to be the most common targets for catfishing and romance scams.
Legality of catfishing
Catfishing itself is generally not illegal. The act of creating a false online identity or misrepresenting yourself is not against the law in most cases [1]. However, catfishing can cross into illegal territory when the catfisher uses deception to commit fraud, theft, or other crimes.
According to attorneys, catfishing becomes illegal when [2]:
- The catfisher commits identity theft by using someone else’s personal information or photos.
- The catfisher gains unauthorized access to the victim’s online accounts, data, or devices.
- The deception is used to steal money from the victim through wire fraud, credit card fraud, or other financial crimes.
- The catfisher extorts, stalks, or threatens the victim.
- The catfisher gains something of value through their deception.
If a catfisher uses their fake identity to commit crimes like fraud, theft, or extortion, they can face criminal charges like wire fraud, identity theft, stalking, or blackmail [3]. The specific laws that apply depend on the nature of the deception and crimes.
Financial fraud
Catfishers may exploit targets financially in various ways, such as asking for money directly, gifts, loans, or access to financial accounts and information. This is done under false pretenses, as the target believes they are interacting with a real person who has developed a trusting relationship with them.
Financial fraud laws can apply in cases where a catfisher gains financially through deception. For example, the federal wire fraud statute makes it illegal to scheme to defraud someone out of money or property using electronic communications like email or messaging apps. The maximum penalty is 20 years in prison and a fine [1].
Many states also have laws against theft by deception, which could apply if a catfisher tricks someone into providing money or items of value. Depending on the amount stolen and other factors, penalties range from fines to several years in prison [2].
Additionally, using someone else’s identity without authorization during a financial scam could lead to identity theft charges. Overall, catfishing for financial gain does carry legal risks in many jurisdictions.
Romantic Deception
Romantic catfishing can occur when someone pretends to be a potential love interest online. They create a fake persona and identity to build emotional intimacy with their target. This can be incredibly emotionally exploitive and traumatic for the victim once the deception is revealed. As one article explains, “For people who have been fooled by catfishers or scam artists, one of the greatest problems can be the sense of shame or humiliation associated with falling for the deception” (source).
The trauma caused by romantic catfishing stems from the emotional betrayal and intimacy that was built through lies. People invest real emotions into these relationships, only to have the rug pulled out when the truth emerges. As another source describes, “The consequences of the emotional and psychological damage caused by catfishing can be quite severe, leading to depression or even suicide” (source). Romantic deception exploits vulnerable people seeking connection, leaving them scarred from the experience.
Blackmail
Unfortunately, catfishing schemes often involve blackmail and coercion tactics to manipulate victims. Catfishers may threaten to send compromising photos, videos or information to the victim’s friends and family unless the victim complies with their demands. According to the Federal Lawyers article (https://www.federallawyers.com/what-to-do-if-youre-a-victim-of-catfishing-blackmail/), tactics like these are considered cyber extortion or sextortion.
Extortion and blackmail are illegal under federal and state laws. The federal statute 18 U.S.C. § 875 covers interstate communications containing threats that seek to extort money or valuables from the victim. Most states also have laws prohibiting the exploitation of secrets or private information for extortion purposes. According to HG.org (https://www.hg.org/legal-articles/catfishing-is-it-considered-criminal-fraud-48440), catfishing schemes involving coercion, blackmail or extortion may lead to criminal fraud charges.
Victims should document all communications and report cyber extortion attempts to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov). It’s also advisable to consult an attorney to explore legal options based on the specific details of the catfishing and blackmail scheme.
Protecting Against Catfishing
There are several ways to protect yourself from being catfished and avoid exploitation.
First, be wary of online profiles that seem “too good to be true.” Accounts using fake or overly perfect looking photos should raise suspicion. Look for details like inconsistent backgrounds, overly airbrushed skin, and facial features that don’t match up in multiple photos. Perform reverse image searches to check if photos are stolen from somewhere else online (PCMag).
Take conversations slowly and don’t rush into an online relationship, even if the person seems perfect for you. Ask specific questions and look for inconsistencies in details about their life. Talk on video chat to ensure the person matches their photos (Malwarebytes).
Search online for the person’s name, username, email, or phone number to uncover other accounts that don’t match up. Look for matching information across social media profiles to verify consistency (Seersco).
Never send money to someone you only know online, especially if they are asking for help or claiming to be in an emergency. This is a common tactic catfish use for financial fraud.
Tell friends and family about new online relationships so they can provide an outside perspective and support. They may be able to spot red flags you miss in the thrills of a new romance.
If you suspect you are being catfished, directly ask the person to video chat or provide proof of their identity. Go with your instincts and cease contact if you have doubts.
Seeking recourse
Victims of catfishing often want to hold the perpetrators accountable and seek justice. There are a few options for reporting catfishing behavior and potentially taking legal action.
Many social media platforms and dating apps allow users to report fake accounts or deceptive activity. Victims can file reports directly through the platform’s reporting system. Accounts or content that violate terms of service may get banned. However, policies vary across platforms regarding impersonation and fictitious profiles.
In more severe cases of financial fraud or extortion, victims can file reports with agencies like the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center or even local police. Strong evidence like chat logs and transaction records is needed. Depending on the specific laws in your state, criminal charges may be possible if catfishing involves illegal activity.
Victims can also explore civil lawsuits for damages like emotional distress or lost money. However, catfishing itself is not necessarily illegal. Lawsuits often focus on associated charges like fraud, defamation, or intentional infliction of emotional distress. Legal experts recommend gathering solid evidence and consulting an attorney experienced with cyber law.
While catfishing can be incredibly painful emotionally, legally proving harm and culpability can be challenging. Platform bans, criminal reports, and civil suits are options to consider but success is not guaranteed. Support groups can help victims process their experience and move forward.
Impact on victims
Being catfished can have serious emotional, financial, and reputational consequences for victims. Catfishing often involves developing an intimate emotional bond and sharing private information, so the deception can make victims feel betrayed, embarrassed, and isolated (https://www.cybersmile.org/what-we-do/advice-help/catfishing). Victims report feeling anxious, depressed, and reluctant to trust others again after being catfished. They may even experience PTSD symptoms such as hypervigilance and emotional detachment (https://bulliesout.com/need-support/catfishing/).
Catfishing scams can also lead to substantial financial losses, especially if the victim sent money or shared financial information with someone posing as a romantic partner or business contact. Reputational damage is another risk if private images or details are shared with the catfisher and later made public.
Resources are available to help victims of catfishing recover. Mental health counseling provides support in processing feelings of violation and rebuilding self-esteem. Advocacy groups like Cyber Civil Rights Initiative offer legal referrals to pursue recourse in cases of exploitation. Checking credit reports and financial statements closely can help identify any suspicious activity indicating identity theft or fraud.
Ethics of catfishing
The ethics of catfishing are heavily debated. Some argue that catfishing is harmless in certain contexts. For example, some view using fake profiles just to meet people online as ethical, since it can help those struggling socially to make connections (https://mediaengagement.org/research/to-catfish-or-not-to-catfish/).
However, many counter that catfishing frequently exploits and deceives vulnerable people. Deceiving someone into an emotional or financial relationship violates principles of informed consent and transparency (https://mckaylawhite.medium.com/is-catfishing-ethical-7db731109f8e). Catfish often take advantage of lonely or trusting individuals. This can cause serious psychological and financial harm.
Overall, ethical judgments depend on the catfish’s motives and methods. More predatory, exploitative catfishing aimed at manipulation appears widely condemned as unethical. However, some view harmless, white lies as potentially justified to aid socializing or exploring identity. But deception in relationships violates most ethical frameworks.
