The advancement of technology and social media has many benefits. Often it is used for the greater good. Although there are issues that come along with these advancements. It is becoming increasingly common for fraudsters and scammers to use these advancements to benefit themselves, to the detriment of others. Catfishing is the act of tricking somebody online by using a fake persona. Usually resulting in financial and emotional harm to the individual being tricked.
Users of the internet must be aware of these threats. In this blog, we will explain the role in which private investigators can help resolve these situations, we will make you aware of some of the tell-tale signs to watch out for and make you aware of the ways in which you can protect yourselves.
What is Catfishing?
Social media and Online dating platforms are the common places to fall victim of Catfishing. An individual will set up an account using a fake identity with the intention of deceiving an unassuming individual. The accounts will seem genuine and the fake identity convincing. The idea being to form relationships and trust which can be manipulated further down the line. These relationships can vary from just a couple of days to months or even years.
Signs of Catfishing
Identifying whether you are being catfished can be very difficult. The catfishers are clever and convincing. Spotting the red flags isn’t easy but knowing what they are will give you the best chance of protecting yourself and avoid becoming a victim.
1. Unwillingness to Communicate via Phone or Video Call
A major red flag is the reluctance / refusal to communicate via phone call or video call. Showing their real identity whilst using the rouse of a fake identity would be highly risky and could result in them being found out. They will go to great lengths to cover up their real identities, from their appearance to their voice. If you find someone always making excuses for not being able to communicate in these ways, continue with caution.
2. Limited Social Media Presence and Suspicious Followers
Be aware of accounts that seem to be using stock photos from the internet as their profile picture and that have small amounts of activity. Small amounts of friends or followers for example or large numbers of suspicious looking friends or followers. Real life people have real lives that are often reflected in their social media, through friends, photos, posts and interactions. Whilst not every genuine user of social media will have the same amount of activity or huge followings, it is a common theme amongst fake accounts to have limited accounts and it is a red flag to keep an eye on.
3. Inconsistencies and Unbelievable Stories
A catfisher wants to get your attention. They want you to be intrigued by them to find their way in. Often this will include telling stories about their lives in order to keep you interested. When a story is not true, it will often contain certain inconsistencies, flaws, holes and contradictions. Always pay attention to details within these stories. If something doesn’t sound right, call them out on it, question it. And remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it usually means that it IS too good to be true! Continue with caution.
4. Requests for Money or Financial Assistance
The most common motivating factor behind catfishing is financial gain. The stories they tell in order to catch your attention may be filled with bad look stories and heartache. The idea being to make their unsuspecting victim feel sorry for them. In turn, when they inevitably start asking for money, the victim will be more likely to oblige. If someone gradually starts asking for money, whether it be to borrow or otherwise, be aware that this is a very common tactic used by catfishers. Always be wary!
The Role of Private Investigators in Catfishing Cases
A private investigators skill can be very valuable in cases involving catfishing. They are after all specialists in revealing hidden truths. Here is how a Private Investigator can help:
1. Conducting Online Investigations
Conducting online investigations is a major part of a private investigator’s role. By using various approaches and techniques they have the ability to flush out the fact from the fiction, gather evidence about important details and identify whether the account is real or the person behind it is an imposter.
2. Gathering Evidence
If you have suspicions, it is important in a catfishing case that those suspicions are correctly investigated. Using their skill and knowledge a private investigator will collect and log evidence to support your suspicions. This evidence can be Chat logs between yourself and the potential catfisher, emails and other digital traces that may be left. This evidence can be essential when seeking justice.
3. Providing Emotional Support and Guidance
As catfishing cases can be very emotionally draining, sensitive and demoralising for the victim, it is imperative that a private investigator understands the situation and provides full support throughout the entirety of the process. Reassurance, guidance and ensuring that you do not have to deal with a complicated and stressful case by yourself are all essential.
4. Assisting with Legal Proceedings
A private investigator can help in preparing and presenting evidence for legal proceedings. If you have been targeted by catfishing, have been left emotionally damaged or out of pocket due to being a victim of catfishing, a strong case can be vital. A private investigators ability to gather information and conduct investigations will help to build a strong case against the catfisher.
Conclusion
Social media and dating profiles are places where you should find joy and feel safe. That is not always the case. There are risks out there and you need to be vigilant in order to stop yourself becoming a victim. Catfishing is prominent and only growing more sophisticated. It is important that you are aware of the dangers and understand the signs to look out for in order to protect yourself online. Always remain cautious, you can never be too careful.
Dolos investigations is here to help if you fear you are the victim of catfishing. We include a free telephone consultation to assess your specific needs and determine how we can help. By partnering with Dolos Investigations and our private investigation team, you can be sure to protect yourself and your loved ones from the devastating effects of catfishing.
