What is Catfishing?

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Loneliness and digital inexperience does make seniors vulnerable to falling a victim to catfishing. 

What is catfishing 

Catfishing scammers are individuals who create fake online profiles to deceive others, often for financial gain or emotional manipulation. The term "catfishing" comes from the documentary "Catfish," which highlighted the phenomenon.

Here are some common tactics used by catfishing scammers:

  • Creating fake identities: They use stolen photos and fabricated information to create believable profiles.
  • Building trust: They use flattery, emotional manipulation, and exploit vulnerabilities to gain the victim's trust.
  • Requesting money: They often ask for money under various pretenses, such as needing funds for medical bills, travel expenses, or other emergencies.
  • Avoiding face-to-face contact: They may avoid video calls or in-person meetings, making excuses about why they can't meet.

To protect yourself from catfishing scams, be cautious about sharing personal information, verify the identity of people you meet online, and avoid sending money to someone you haven't met in person.

Netflix - Missing You

In the Netflix series "Missing You," the catfishing scam plays a significant role in the plot. Detective Kat Donovan, played by Rosalind Eleazar, discovers her ex-fiancé Josh Buchanan's profile on a dating app1. She matches with him to find out why he disappeared without a trace 11 years earlier. However, Josh blocks her immediately after she sends him a song connected to their past.

As Kat investigates further, she realizes that Josh might be connected to a missing persons case she's working on, as well as her father's murder. The catfishing element adds to the mystery and tension of the story, as Kat tries to uncover the truth behind Josh's disappearance and her father's death2.

It's an intriguing twist that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats! Have you watched the series yet, or are you planning to?

The Brad Pitt Scam

A French woman was tricked into sending $850,000 by a scammer impersonating Brad Pitt, leading to legal action. Brad Pitt has spoken out after a French woman was allegedly scammed out of $850,000 by a con artist posing as the Oscar-winning actor.

Brad Pitt scam



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