This is a collaborative post.
When it comes to online dating, it’s important to be aware of the fact that you could be potentially catfished. Being catfished is when someone creates a fake online persona to lure people into a relationship with them. The heartbreak of being catfished is all too real. You think you’ve found the perfect person online, only to find out they’re not who they say they are. It’s a painful experience that can leave you feeling betrayed, embarrassed, and even humiliated.
So how can you spot a fake profile before you get catfished? Keep reading to find out how.
Use a People Search Engine
While there are many ways to protect yourself from being catfished, using a people search engine is one way to help you determine if the person you’re talking to is who they say they are.
People search engines are websites that allow you to search for someone’s name and find out information about them. This can include things like their address, phone number, and social media profiles. By doing a free people search for the person you’re talking to, you can get a better idea of whether or not they are who they say they are.
If you’re unsure how to use a people search engine, there are many online tutorials that can walk you through the process. Be sure to enter the person’s full name, including their middle name and last name, to get the most accurate information. You can also search for their email address or phone number to see if they have any online profiles.
If you’re concerned about being catfished, using a people search engine is a great way to get more information about the person you’re talking to. It can help you determine if they are who they say they are, and it can also help you protect yourself from being scammed.
Use Reliable Dating Platforms
While scammers can be present everywhere, your chances of falling victim to catfishing decrease when you use trustworthy dating platforms like Tinder, Ashley Madison, Bumble, OkCupid, and others. However, if you’re searching for niche websites tailored to specific groups like plus-size individuals or Christians, you need to find reliable sources that offer information about good platforms. For instance, Online For Love provides a list of the best BBW dating sites, and Healthy Framework offers up-to-date reviews of Christian dating apps. Prioritising reliability can help you navigate the world of online dating more securely and successfully.
Signs You’re Talking to a Fake Profile
When you’re talking to someone online, it can be difficult to tell if they’re actually who they say they are. However, there are some signs that you can look out for to help you determine if the person you’re speaking with is a fake profile.
One sign that you might be talking to a fake profile is if the person seems too good to be true. If the person has an amazing job, is drop-dead gorgeous, and seems like they have nothing but good intentions, it’s likely that they’re catfishing you. This is because most people don’t have perfect lives and most scammers only want to prey on people’s vulnerabilities.
Another sign that you might be talking to a fake profile is if the person asks for money right away or tries to get personal information from you early on in the conversation. This often happens when scammers create fake profiles with the intention of stealing your identity or scamming you out of your money. They will try to get as much information from you as possible so that they can use it later on.
If the person you’re talking to starts making suspicious or strange requests or becomes pushy about wanting personal information from you, it’s likely that they are a scammer. Be very careful about giving out any personal details until you know for sure that the person is trustworthy.
What to Do if You’re Catfished
If you’re unfortunate enough to be catfished, it can feel like your heart has been ripped out of your chest. The person you fell in love with online was nothing more than a fake profile created by someone with malicious intent. The first step in dealing with being catfished is to take a step back and assess the situation. Utilize the information you found on the people search engine to reach out for answers. They may not be willing to provide answers on why they catfished you, but you can try to get as much information as possible to help you move on.
If you were catfished by someone you know, you’ll need to decide how to proceed. It’s possible to confront them and try to get some answers. However, you may need to just cut all ties and move on, though it may prove difficult if it was someone regularly involved in your life outside of the catfish relationship. If you were catfished by a stranger, you have a little more flexibility to work with. You can try to find them online and confront them, or you can just forget about it and move on.
No matter what you choose to do, remember that you’re not alone. There are plenty of people who have been catfished, and you can find support from them or from professionals if you need it.
Being Catfished
Being catfished can be especially hurtful, more so if you’ve been in this fake relationship for years. However, by following our tips, you can spot a fake profile and call out the catfisher before the relationship goes too far.
