Think you've been catfished? Here's what to do.

Last week in my blog I shared 3 easy steps to spot a catfish scamThis week I’m sharing what you should do if you think you are being catfished.


Do some cyber sleuthing and answer the following questions to make an educated decision.

  • Check out their online profile.  Too few friends?  Recently created?
  • Are they avoiding talking on the phone, meeting in person, or video chatting? 
  • Is their picture too good to be true?  Does their profile lack candid pics?  Does it look like it’s from a magazine?
  • Is the pace of the relationship or friendship Too serious? Too fast? Too passionate?  Over the top? 
  • On the personal or romantic side do they always need help? Do they need your money to rescue them?
  • Are they making you feel sorry for them?
  • Are they claiming to be military and just need some $$ to get home, go on leave, apply for leave, or pay medical expenses after war injury?
  • Are the stories always over the top, way out there, or they the constant one upper?


If you’re answering yes to most of these questions, then you’re being catfished.

Hanging Head in Shame


What should you do next?

  • Break all contact.  
    • If you send them a message about ending it, they may pursue you more heavily vs suddenly ending all contact.
  • Report the profile on the social media platform
  • Report them to the organization and dating site you made contact on
  • Report it to https://ic3.gov  

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