Cybersecurity is the topmost concern of everyone using the internet. Almost all internet users try their best to prevent cyber attacks, but their variations seem never-ending. Recently attackers have found another interesting way to steal information; catfishing, where people make fake online identities using information and pictures of a real person. It could be of an organisation, individual, or any known figure to fulfil their personal interests. Unfortunately, no software can detect fake profiles. Thus it becomes imperative to protect yourself from catfishing.
There is another thing that people and IT specialists have noticed catfishing is not only done to satisfy financial needs. It could be done for personal satisfaction, due to mental instability, and insecurities; to experiment with sexual preferences and feelings of revenge. Thus, you must be more careful while browsing the internet and talking to a stranger on a virtual platform. When we say ‘be careful’ we mean the following things you must do to protect yourself from catfishers.
Tips To Avoid Catfishing Online
Following are the easy and logical ways you can try to not become a victim of catfishing.
1. Do A Background Check
First of all, if you get a friend request from a stranger, it is advisable to not accept it. Still, if you feel like accepting it. You must perform a background check. Find mutual friends, and ask them about the profile and the person. Check the provided information on the internet, if it matches so there are chances that the person is genuine and the profile is real.
Moreover, there are many identity-checking apps and software available on the internet which can help you identify the person.
2. Do Not Trust
Until and unless you are 100% sure about the identity of the person and they are not catfishing. Do not disclose anything to them which may come back to you like a sword.
You never know how good someone is at hiding or pretending to be someone else. So be careful while exchanging information. Ask them questions, play a role more of a listener than a speaker and try to know about them, as much as possible.
3. Stalk Their Profile
If a person made a profile for a specific purpose. They are more likely to not give all their information and their profile will remain blank or with quite less personal photos or posts. Moreover, if they are genuine, they will have accounts on other platforms too. Thus, look for other accounts belonging to them.
Also, it will look like a new account, less or no posts, and not so many friends or followers. If so, you should avoid talking to them, rather block or report their profile.
4. Do Not Share Personal Information
It is too easy for professional catfishers to trap people. Until you talk to them on a call, or video call or you meet them and develop trust, do not share any personal information.
Moreover, if the other person asks many personal or sensitive questions (directly or indirectly) relating to some confidential information, be mindful of your words. Sometimes you indirectly give information to the person.
Still, if you gave information to the catfisher mistakenly. Make sure you change the passwords and apply top-most security on your accounts.
5. Ask For Phone Numbers
Maximum social media and other chatting platforms are now verifying the customer’s identity through their phone numbers. Ask them about their mobile numbers and talk to them to know their real identity.
If they hesitate or delay giving thier number to you. There could be a possibility that they are catfishing. Beware in such cases.
6. Never Share Financial Information Or Transfer Money
Many people make professional profiles and pretend to be an entrepreneur. However, they are just other fraudsters or hackers. You should protect yourself from such hackers or fraudsters. Do not share bank details, your financial status, and most importantly, if you are buying something by getting influenced by this profile, do not opt for an online payment transfer, select cash on delivery payment method. If the other person denies the fact, then leave the deal. There are high chances that you are being trapped.
7. Use Only Trusted Platforms
Social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, all are trusted social media and online messaging platforms. They first verify the identity of the profile and then they grant permission to make a profile.
However, it does not mean that you blindly trust these platforms. You should be vigilant before talking to a stranger. It could lead to a good friendship if the other person is not a catfisher. But until you are not sure, set your limits and do not cross them carelessly.
The Bottom Line
Catfishing can be easily identified if you trust your gut feeling and be logical. If you feel someone is being unrealistically good to you, probably they are the hackers who want to know more about your organisation or bank/financial information. And then, use these catfish online safety tips to ensure whether they are catfishing or genuine people.