A “catphisher” is someone trying to get your personal information or money and has no real intention of meeting you. There is no foolproof way of identifying a catphisher. Since every conversation is different, here is what to look for:
IN A HURRY TO GET OFF THE SITE: The longer catphishers are on our site, the more likely they are to get caught. They will be in a hurry to start communication through email, messenger or phone right away.
FROM ANOTHER PLACE: Catphishers tend to give reasons to try and explain why they are currently in your area, such as on vacation, visiting someone, etc.
THEY WILL TALK ABOUT TRUST: A catphisher may express how important trust is to them and to a relationship. They are prepping you for a request for money or to join another site that they will promise to pay back or you won’t be charged for. Beware of anyone who needs you to join another website before she will meet you.
ASKED TO SIGNUP ELSEWHERE: Catphisers will ask you to join another site to see photos of them, or to pass security security/safety checks they request prior to meeting in person. This is a clear sign that the user you are speaking with is attempting to catphish you.
WRONG GENDER: A catphiser in many cases will be using accounts with the wrong gender that you are not looking for, such as male accounts, but then try to explain they are really a female.
INABILITY TO MAKE SMALL TALK: Try having a real conversation. A catphisher doesn’t know the current events. Try discussing the topics or news of the day, and the catphiser will change the topic.
KEEP YOUR ACCOUNT CREDENTIALS PRIVATE: Never share or use your Site Credentials with any users inside the site or on external sites asking for them such as your, Handle, Password, or Email.