For a generation that has always been taught to be aware of stranger-danger, the world can still harbor criminal intent, sometimes where we least expect. With the prevalence of scammers, it is important to be aware as one of the most insidious scams preys on the lonely at heart.
Catfishing is the practice of faking an identity online to deceive someone, and to commit financial fraud. Catfishing scams are becoming more prevalent, and the results can be catastrophic.
With the advent of AI imaging, and the prevalence of social media outlets, a “Catfisher” can easily create an online persona that is extremely enticing. The perpetrator, man or woman, can create a new identity using stock photo images and build an online profile with a new hometown, new gender, kids, dogs, home, vacation memories, and more. Then they start to prey on the unsuspecting.
Sometimes the person who engages in catfishing has mental illness or wants to explore a new identity for their own personal satisfaction, but oftentimes they can be seeking revenge for some imagined or actual wrong they perceive against them. They may decide they want to target an individual to create havoc in their lives or to cause them public embarrassment in the future. Sometimes they are interested in sexual exploitation for their own pleasure, and they are often trying to create an avenue for financial gain.
The “catfisher” might be trying to get an overseas visa, so they may pretend they like your social media posts and want to know you better. Soon, they escalate the online relationship and over time, there always seems to be a need for a little cash for some small problem. Eventually they communicate larger problems, such as the need for money to purchase plane tickets, wardrobe items, or other necessities in increasing frequency.
For the victim, the trust that has been granted and fostered becomes larger than the relationships they hold with loved ones nearby. Children may be ostracized over this perceived newfound love. Money starts leaking from checkbooks, and less and less is available for the victim’s own day-to-day expenses. The results of catfishing can be devastating to the victim and to their loved ones.
How can one spot a romantic scammer? That can be tricky for some older adults, but enlisting the help of family and friends can save a mountain of heartache. Often victims are afraid to admit they fell prey to a scammer, and sometimes they hold fast to the delusions they have built around this new relationship.
But being open and honest about everything as we age is really the best strategy for living safely and independently. Our adult kids and grandkids are by and large much more computer and internet savvy than we are, and they will relish keeping us up to date and on our toes. Plus, learning the strategies of scammers of this sort makes you a great asset to other seniors in your community. They say experience is the best teacher, but I believe observing and learning from other’s experiences is a much better strategy.
Some ways to discover the truth about a person’s identity includes doing a reverse image search to see if the photos you have received are legitimately a unique individual or just stock photos easily available online.
Ask that new friend to engage in a video call or an audio call. If they refuse it may be because they don’t want to get caught. They may have excuses, such as illness or travel plans, but if these excuses continue over time, they are probably lying.
Never click on any link they provide and never send money. If money is requested, report it immediately to police, your bank, credit card companies and to family members. Be sure to block this individual and don’t feel the need to explain to them why you are doing so.
Stay safe, protect yourself, and watch out for your friends too. Remember, we all are in this world together, and we are all thankful when we can help each other out!
Barb Nadeau is a freelance writer, who has served in a variety of capacities throughout her career, including public relations, television producer and host, on air radio host, print journalist, and in the non-profit sector networking among a variety of social service agencies and service providers throughout the State of Illinois. She is serving her hometown of Plano, Ill. as an elected alderman. Contact Barb at bvnadeau@gmail.com.