How to protect yourself from Catfishing

With the increase in social interactions being done online, there has been an increase in relationships that are being built over social media networks as well as apps such as Tinder, etc. Did you know that a recent study showed that 1 in 5 relationships began online?

If things continue like this then by the year 2040, almost 70% of people in the world will meet their significant other online via a social media network or an app!

Because everything is online these days, scammers have taken advantage of this opportunity to con those who are looking for love online. Catfishing is an online scam where someone creates a fake online identity for the purpose of starting a fake relationship and usually scamming people out of their money over a period of time.

Are you dating online or thinking about dating online?

The person is too good to be true – 

They are extremely rich, attractive and glamourous.

The relationship is moving unnaturally fast – 

They profess their undying love for you unusually early and try to rush the relationship along.

They can never meet you in person – 

They claim they are always on the road or something always comes up so they can never meet you in person.

Their social media presence is very vague – 

They have few friends and barely any photos and the photos they do have all look as if they may have been stolen.

Never give money out to someone you’ve met on the internet, even if you feel that you can trust them, do not let someone play on your desire for love!