You've met someone on a dating app who seems straight out of an ad: attentive, available, interesting, and with a life like something out of a movie. After days of texting, every time you try to move on to a video call or a meeting, something unexpected happens. The buzz grows, and suddenly, you're struck by the doubt: what if the person behind the chat isn't who they say they are? That practice has a name and surname: chatfishing.
Chatfishing is, in short, the "conversational" version of catfishing: identity theft or the creation of an online persona to emotionally hook another person and, from there, manipulate them. It's not just a matter of romantic love: there are also economic, sexual, or even ideological objectives. On dating apps and social networks, where profiles and immediacy abound, this deception finds its way into the public eye. fertile ground.
What is chatfishing and how is it different from catfishing?
When we talk about catfishing, we're referring to the creation of a false identity (or the use of stolen photos and data) to pretend to be someone else online, in order to start a relationship, gain trust, and often get something in return. Chatfishing emphasizes the "chat" aspect: the trickster focuses manipulation on text and voice messages, avoiding face-to-face contact and video calls at all costs. Their priority is to keep you trapped in the conversation, where it's easier to maintain the deception and hide inconsistencies. In both cases, the goal can be extract money, intimate photos or sensitive information.
It's worth distinguishing it from another related term: kittenfishing. The latter describes a "softer" deception: a new persona isn't invented, but qualities are exaggerated, details are doctored, or old, heavily edited photos are used to make one more desirable. Even so, its emotional effects can be considerable. In catfishing/chatfishing, on the other hand, the identity is directly fictitious or stolen, and the risk of harm is much greater. higher.
Why it's called "catfishing" and its rise to popular culture
The term gained fame with the documentary Catfish (2010), which recounted the deception suffered by Nev Schulman; since then, it has been used worldwide to refer to those who hunt victims online from deceptive profiles. Some explain the name with the anecdote of the catfish: in the past, during the transport of cod, catfish were introduced into the tanks so that the frightened cod would remain active and not spoil. Similarly, the catfisher acts as a hidden predator that lurks between profiles to keep its prey "on the move" and at its mercy. Today, social media and dating apps have made this deception a sadly popular practice. usual.
Motives behind chatfishing: from hurt ego to profit
The reasons vary, but the common denominator is self-interest. Among the most frequently cited reasons are: low self-esteem (desire to be more attractive, influential or successful), mental health problems (depression, anxiety or narcissistic traits that lead to seeking validation by creating an idealized self), revenge (harassing or humiliating someone known), concealment of identity (anonymity for dubious purposes), harassment and stalking, sexual experimentation (from harmless fetishes to predation of minors pretending to be teenagers), and, very especially, economic benefit through transfers, blackmail or fraud.
Where chatfishing happens and what figures illustrate it
The quintessential scenario is dating apps and social media: there it is easy to reach many victims with little risk of being discovered. Different sources indicate that more than half of regular users of these platforms say they have encountered suspicious profiles. In a study in the US, approximately 20% of the profiles analyzed used misleading or stolen images, and among young people aged 18 to 25, 51% admitted to having uploaded other people's or retouched photos at some point, an unhealthy shortcut to the territory of the tricks.
The expansion is not limited to the sentimental realm. On the professional level, LinkedIn has seen significant growth. fake profiles that seek to scam users with supposed investment opportunities or to extract sensitive work data. A sustained increase in this type of fraud has been detected between 2020 and 2023, with a shift from personal to professional deception. Furthermore, various reports have indicated that Facebook accounts for a large portion of the recorded catfishing incidents, followed by Instagram and, at similar levels, LinkedIn, where imposters exploit their appearance. seriousness and reputation.
Official figures confirm the severity: in 2021, the FBI received tens of thousands of reports related to these scams in the United States alone; that same year, the country's consumer protection agency counted hundreds of millions of dollars in losses from online romance scams, with catfishing being the star of the show. In 2022, losses linked to romance scams were estimated at around $1.300 billion, with an average cost per victim of around $2.500. During the pandemic, incidents skyrocketed with significant increases, and the damage is not limited to the economic: nearly a third of those affected reported anxiety or depression after the fraud, although a significant portion say they engage in more cautious online interactions from then on.
Clear signs to detect chatfishing
Early detection is half the victory. Although each case is unique, there are patterns that repeat themselves. These clues, taken from the most common signs, will help you fine-tune your radar and avoid being misled by sweet messages and grandiloquent promises that never materialize in the real world. It's not a complete list, but rather a compendium of signs that, when combined, should make you hit the brakes.
Minimal or non-existent fingerprint
In the year 2025, it's normal for a person to leave a trail on several platforms: a professional profile, a social network, everyday photos, public interactions. When someone only exists on the app where they text you or their online presence is almost nonexistent, be suspicious. It also feels odd if their profile has vague details, little context, and a practically empty post history. This absence is usually deliberate: a way of remain hidden.
Avoid video calls
There's always an excuse for not showing your face: a broken camera, a bad connection, embarrassment, endless work. If the person consistently avoids any attempt to meet via video, it's likely they're not who they say they are. Fake photos work in messages, but a live image ruins the feature. Also, make sure your webcam and microphone are protected from intrusions; don't install dubious software or grant permissions rashly, on your own. to maximise security and your enjoyment..
Newly created profile
A new profile doesn't condemn anyone, but if that account appears to be newly created, only has a handful of photos, few friends or followers, and no previous activity, it's worth being careful. Especially if there are no other associated networks or, if there are, they also seem newly created. oven exits.
Catalog photos and nothing spontaneous
When all the photos look like they're from a professional book, with studio lighting and perfect poses, and there isn't a single everyday image (a plan with friends, a real hobby, a everyday photo), a bad feeling. They're often stolen or heavily retouched, and if you ask for a recent or more natural snapshot, they send you the same old ones. It's time to plant flag.
Excuses for not meeting
He suggests meeting you... and then, right on that day, a problem arises: a sick relative, an urgent trip, a meeting that drags on. The pattern repeats itself, and the meeting never materializes. This "eternal postponement" is a classic, as is the pathological fear of any video contact. If the relationship is only sustained through chat, you already have an indicator. powerful.
Inconsistencies and contradictions
A life of luxury, a high-flying career, exotic trips… but the details don't add up. What they said yesterday changes today; they avoid specific questions about their job, family, or city, or they respond evasively. Dramatic stories designed to generate instant empathy and accelerate the emotional bond are also common. If you notice gaps or inconsistencies, listen to your instinct.
Ask for money or economic favors
Once your trust has been gained, an emergency may arise: a relative's medical expenses, a plane ticket to visit you, a blockage of funds... The excuse doesn't matter: request for money To someone you don't know in person is a red light. And if you've already sent something and they immediately ask for more, it's an even bigger red light. clara.
“Love bombing” or love bombing
Intense messages from the very first minute, promises of eternal love, life plans without ever having met in person. This rush is pure tactics: it seeks to disarm your skepticism, generate an artificial connection, and make you let your guard down. They may also reveal intimate details too soon to force you to share on the same level; it's a trick of social engineering.
Stolen or stock photos
Another red flag: images that don't match or look like stock photos. A reverse Google search or other tools can reveal the photo's true origin: if it appears associated with another identity or on stock websites, you know where to start. the shots go.
Few friends or followers
Fake profiles often have a tiny network and unreliable connections. This doesn't mean that everyone with a small following is an imposter, but combined with the other signs, it's another clue that triggers the alarm. prudence.
Language or grammar that doesn't match
If someone claims to be a native speaker of a language, lives nearby, or claims to have a specific qualification, but writes with systematic errors that don't fit with that story, be suspicious. Many frauds betray their origin by the grammar.
Request for highly sensitive data
From addresses and documents to passwords disguised as "innocent questions" and even intimate photos. With this information, they can steal accounts or blackmail you. If they pressure you to send compromising materials, stop dead in your tracks and don't give in, no matter how hard they try. confidence.
Hyper-busy and cinematic life
Another typical alibi: a life so fascinating that it justifies absences and constant changes of plan, but which never materializes into real proof. Remember: if their world seems perfect yet unattainable, it probably is. smoke.
Your inner voice tells you “something is wrong”
Intuition is often right when things don't fit together. If you feel that tingling of alertness, don't ignore it: cut off contact, or at least pause and check. No one who is honest pressures you out of distrust or gets angry because you want to. check data.
7 Quick Signs of Intrusion (Express Version)
- He has hardly any friends or followers on social media.
- Avoid calls and video calls systematically.
- Always use the same profile pictures, either old or too perfect.
- He puts off meeting in person.
- Your story changes or is full of gaps.
- He ends up asking for money or economic favors.
- He makes grandiloquent gestures of affection without any real basis.
Real-life cases of chatfishing that show the extent of the problem
Nev Schulman and the media phenomenon
The documentary Catfish popularized the term by chronicling Schulman's online relationship with a supposed "Megan," who was actually a persona invented by a serial con artist. This intimate portrait of digital manipulation uncovered a modus operandi that has since become sadly común.
Manti Te'o and the bride who didn't exist
The college football player believed he was in a relationship with "Lennay Kekua." The story, which even included a fake death from illness, turned out to be a fabrication orchestrated by Ronaiah Tuiasosopo. The case was featured in a Netflix production and showed how deception can affect a public figure and lead to human consequences deep.
Carly Ryan, tragedy in the early days of social media
At 15, the young Australian woman was tricked by a predator pretending to be a teenager on MySpace. The outcome was the worst possible. Cases like hers are a reminder that these scams aren't games, but risks with the potential for extreme harm, especially when an adult hides behind the profile. Juvenile.
Thomas Gibson and blackmail
The actor had an online affair with a woman who sent him misleading images. After exchanging intimate material, he ended up being extorted. Blackmail is a common outcome of these stories: obtaining photos or information to use as weapon.
Alicia Kozakiewicz and the social reaction
At 13, she was kidnapped by an adult she met pretending to be a boy her age. Following her experience, she launched an awareness-raising project to prevent others from going through a similar situation. Her case highlighted the need to educate children and families about online safety and early detection.
The military impostor
A man posing as an elite member of the armed forces scammed dozens of women on dating sites, obtaining money after gaining their trust with a fake heroic identity. He was sentenced to a lengthy prison term for fraud and usurpation of identity.
The recruiter of terror
A female profile apparently interested in Islam tricked a young man from Virginia, who ended up traveling to join a terrorist group. Behind the avatar were operators who used romantic enticement and an ideological veneer as a cover. fish hook.
How to protect yourself from chatfishing: practical guidelines
Defense starts at the top of your head: be suspicious of perfection, validate what you can, and control what you share. A simple reverse image search, checking if their name and photos appear associated with other identities, or requesting a short, spontaneous video call (with a casual test, such as waving next to an object in real time) can save you from disappointment. Avoid moving to private channels if the platform offers verification; don't send money to strangers or send intimate material that could be used to pressure you. And lock down your social media: limit public data, check who can see your posts, and don't accept requests from strangers just out of politeness. These routines will make you less "interesting" to a stranger. swindler.
On the technical side, keeping devices and accounts secure is just as important: two-factor authentication, unique passwords, backups, and being wary of strange links and attachments. A good security suite can help you avoid phishing and fake downloads. There are reputable solutions connected to large threat detection networks that offer continuous protection; these include free and open source alternatives. complete suites with anti-phishing and online scam modules, such as Avast Free Antivirus or Avast One, which add layers of defense against common attacks. day to day.
FAQs
What does it mean to “chatfish” someone?
It involves pretending to be someone else through chats and social media to initiate a deceptive relationship and, from there, manipulate. The goal may be money, obtaining intimate images, or stealing data to access accounts and commit fraud. It often occurs on dating apps and social platforms, where the imposter tries to generate accelerated intimacy and a false connection. confidence.
How common is chatfishing?
Unfortunately, quite a lot. Official figures from various agencies in the US show tens of thousands of annual reports and losses of hundreds of millions of dollars in online romance scams alone. Significant increases were recorded during the pandemic, and in addition to the economic impact, many victims report emotional after-effects such as anxiety and depression. distrust.
What are the most common signs of chatfishing?
The most common ones include: almost no digital footprint, refusal to video call or meet up, new or inactive profiles, photos that are too perfect or stolen, contradictions in their story, requests for money, love bombing, few friends or followers, a command of the language that doesn't match what they claim, demands for very personal data, a supposedly hectic life that justifies everything, and that internal feeling that something is not right. fits.
Artificial intelligence as an accelerator of deception
Generative AI has refined these frauds: cloned voices, manipulated photos and videos (deepfakes), and conversations that better mimic the way people speak. This complicates detection and requires raising the bar for verification: don't just rely on the appearance of an image or a voice; look for evidence outside the chat, and combine several methods (spontaneous video calls, real-time signals, reviews of fingerprint).
Stick to the essentials: No one who cares about you is pressuring you to send money, run, or expose your privacy. If a story shines but doesn't hold up in the spotlight, stop and check. Better to appear prudent than to be late; on the Internet, caution and solid security habits are your best bet. best ally. Share this information and more users will know about this term chatfishing.