Catfishing

Catfishing is when someone creates a fake online identity — often using someone else's photos or a fabricated persona — to deceive another person, typically for romantic, financial, or social manipulation purposes.

It is distinct from anonymous chat, where a person is honest that they are not sharing their identity. Catfishing involves active deception: pretending to be someone specific (a real or invented person) rather than simply choosing not to disclose who you are.

Common warning signs include a refusal to video call, inconsistent personal details, and requests for money or gifts. Most reputable platforms treat catfishing as a reportable violation.