Catfishing: Fake online relationships that start friendly and end in blackmail
Perhaps you or someone close to you has met someone online who seems perfect. They send you sweet messages, make you smile, and tell you that you are the most special person in their life. However, over time, you may notice some strange signs. They might avoid showing their face on camera, change details about their life, or ask for money or intimate photos. This raises an important question: who are you really talking to?
Specialists are raising awareness about a phenomenon known as "catfishing," which involves fake relationships and misleading online profiles. This topic is highly relevant today, as many people enter into online relationships with openness and hope, only to find themselves manipulated or deceived, says Alina, an expert from the e-violența.md platform.
"The term 'catfishing' comes from English; 'cat' refers to a cat, and 'fishing' means fishing. It is an expression that emerged after a documentary and a film where people discovered that the individuals they were communicating with online were not real but rather invented identities. The metaphor suggests the idea of false bait—just as a fisherman tricks a fish with bait, a catfisher entices their target into a relationship using a fake profile. Essentially, 'catfishing' occurs when someone creates a false profile using stolen or generated photos, along with a fabricated life story, in order to engage in online relationships for personal gain, whether that be money, intimate images, attention, or simply control," explained Alina.
Discovering that the person you invested emotions, time, and trust in does not actually exist can be devastating. According to the expert, the scenario often unfolds like this:
"It begins with a friendly approach: 'I came across your profile and felt compelled to write to you.' Then attractive photos are presented, but the person consistently avoids video calls. Soon, the victim is bombarded with attention—daily messages, compliments, and swift declarations of love. Once the victim feels emotionally invested, demands begin to surface—requests for money, intimate photos, or personal information. If they refuse, blackmail often follows: 'Don't you love me? If you don't send me those, I'll share them with everyone.'"
Such situations can resemble typical scam stories. For instance, a woman shared that she had been conversing for months with a man who seemed perfect. He claimed he wanted to visit her but needed money for a plane ticket. She sent the money, but the visit never occurred. Eventually, she discovered that the man's photos were actually of a model and had been stolen from the internet.
How can one recognize when something is wrong, and what are the warning signs?
"There are several common indicators. The person avoids video calls and makes excuses about their camera or signal. The details of their life change frequently. They profess love too quickly, ask for money, intimate photos, or personal information, and insist on moving the conversation to less monitored platforms like Telegram or Snapchat. They may give the impression of being real by sending convincing photos and messaging daily, but they will consistently evade real contact, whether through video calls or in-person meetings. Each time there’s an excuse: the camera doesn’t work, they have no signal, or they’re just too busy. All of these are warning signs,” the specialist noted.
Regarding the effects of catfishing on victims, Alina emphasized that the impact is profound. Emotionally, victims may experience disappointment, shame, and a loss of trust in relationships. Financially, many victims send money or gifts, and some even disclose their bank details. There are even cases of blackmail involving intimate images. This experience constitutes real trauma, which can leave deep emotional scars.
To protect oneself from such situations, it's crucial not to rush into online relationships: "Take your time to get to know the person. Do not send money or intimate images to someone you only know virtually. Ask for proof of their identity; a video call is the simplest way to verify. Use a reverse Google image search to check their photos. Ask for specific details and see if their responses are consistent. It’s also helpful to talk to a friend or someone close to you, as they might notice signs you overlook."
If someone realizes they have fallen victim to a catfisher, the first step is to cease all communication. Then, it's essential to save evidence such as conversations, profiles, and screenshots, and to block and report the account. In cases of blackmail or fraud, it is important to notify the police immediately.
“Importantly, there is support available. The e-violența.md platform offers various ways to receive free and confidential help, whether by filling out a form, calling the hotline for women and girls at 080088008, or through live chat for immediate assistance,” she added.
True love has a face and a voice, not just empty messages and promises, the specialist concluded.
