Types of catfish scams: what they are and how to avoid them
In today’s world, it’s common to start new relationships online with just a “like,” a follow, or a swipe right. But while some of these connections can turn into meaningful bonds, others are just traps set by fraudsters looking to take advantage of unsuspecting people.
Enter the world of catfish scams, where scammers create fake identities to trick you, often for emotional or financial gain. In this blog post, we’ll look at the most common types of catfish scams, how they operate, and how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Romance Catfishing
Romance catfishing is probably the most well-known type of catfish scam. Scammers pretend to be someone else, often using attractive photos to lure people in, and quickly try to form a deep emotional connection. Once they have your trust, they pull out all the stops to manipulate you for money. This type of scam happens on popular online platforms, social networks and dating apps. Scammers will use stolen photos of attractive people—often from real profiles or models. After gaining your trust, they often make excuses to avoid meeting in person. Eventually, they’ll ask for money, claiming it’s for a medical emergency, travel issues, or something else urgent. Some common signs of this type of scam are:
They say “I love you” too quickly after initially communicating with you. They have a sense of urgency to build trust and an emotional connection so that they can exploit their victims quickly.
They avoid video calls or meeting up since that will break their cover.
They ask for money in any form, like gift cards or cryptocurrency.
Military Catfish Scams
In this type of scam, fraudsters pretend to be military personnel stationed overseas. They exploit the respect many people have for the military, weaving elaborate tales to gain sympathy and money. Being aware of their tactics can save you from falling into their trap. Typically, they will claim they can't call or video chat because of “military protocols.” They will attempt to request money for leave, travel, or other emergencies at some point, and use military jargon to sound convincing. Some common signs of this scam are:
Their email doesn’t end in .mil. Real military personnel have access to official military-issued email addresses that can be used to verify if they are actually part of the military.
They refuse to meet, even after months of chatting. They do this because this because they use stolen identities and physically meeting or video-calling will blow their cover.
They have stories about classified missions or inaccessible banking. They incorporate this into their conversations with victims to later financially exploit them.
Social Media Fame Catfish
Scammers here impersonate celebrities or influencers to trick their fans. They create fake accounts and lure people into giving them money or personal information. Knowing what to look for can help you stay cautious. This is common on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X. They will create fake profiles that look like verified celebrity accounts, run fake contests or giveaways that ask for credit card info or personal data, and send direct messages to victims asking about collaborations or private chats. You can protect yourself by always verifying accounts through official channels and never paying to enter a giveaway or chat.
Job or Business Opportunity Catfish
This scam targets people looking for work or investment opportunities. Scammers will pretend to be recruiters or business owners offering exciting job prospects but usually end up asking for money from victims or using documents provided by victims for identity theft. Knowing these tricks can help you avoid getting caught in a scam. Some common signs of this type of scam are:
Offering remote jobs that sound too good to be true.
Asking for “registration fees” or equipment costs upfront.
Providing fake contracts or company websites that don’t check out.
Gaming/Streaming Catfish
With online gaming and streaming becoming more popular, scammers have started targeting gamers, especially kids and teenagers. They create fake identities to make friends or relationships online, often tricking unsuspecting users into giving them money or gifts. This occurs on popular platforms like Discord, Twitch, and Roblox. Common methods include:
Pretending to befriend you through gaming.
Asking for in-game items, gift cards, or real money.
Using emotional manipulation to gain your trust.
“In Need” Family/Friend Catfish
This type of scam preys on your emotions. Scammers impersonate someone you know, such as a friend or family member, often through hacked accounts, and claim to be in a dire situation. They create a sense of urgency, making it easy for you to overlook warning signs. Always double-check by calling the person on their known number. These type of scams work by:
Creating an urgent scenario to skip logical thinking.
Not verifying the identity of a person due the urgency of the situation created by the scammer.
Creating emotional reactions to scenarios.
How to Spot a Catfish
Being aware of key signs can help you spot unauthorized users before they can trick you. Here are some general characteristics that might indicate you are dealing with a catfish:
Their life seems too perfect to be true.
They avoid video calls or in-person meetings.
They ask for money in any form—this is a huge red flag.
Their stories often don’t add up or change frequently.
They have minimal online presence outside of your conversations.
How to Protect Yourself
Taking some simple precautions can help you shield yourself from falling victim to catfish scams. Here are a few easy tips:
If you have an image of the person, do a reverse image search on profile pictures using fvces.
Never send money or gifts to someone you haven’t met in person.
Be careful not to share personal info or financial details.
Use two-factor authentication on your accounts for added security.
Trust your gut: if something feels off, it probably is.
Catfish scams are more than just internet tricks—they can lead to heartbreak, financial struggles, and serious privacy issues. In today’s connected world, being cautious about your online interactions isn’t being paranoid; it’s smart.
If you or someone you know has been catfished, don't be embarrassed. It can happen to anyone, no matter their age or background. Speak up, report it, and help spread awareness to protect others.