Catfishing

The internet has made the world more connected than ever, but not all connections are real. As educators, we don’t just teach subjects we guide students in navigating the digital world safely. One growing threat to online trust is catfishing where someone pretends to be another person online, often for manipulation, fraud, or personal gain. Understanding this issue is crucial, both for our own protection and to equip students with the knowledge to stay safe.

What is Catfishing?

Catfishing occurs when a person creates a fake online identity, usually on social media, dating platforms, or gaming sites, to deceive others. This could involve using stolen photos, false personal details, and elaborate backstories to gain trust. While some catfishers act out of loneliness or insecurity, others have more malicious intentions, such as scamming people for money or engaging in cyberbullying.

How to Identify Catfishing

Catfishers can be incredibly convincing, but there are telltale signs:

1?? Too Good to Be True – If someone’s online profile seems perfect or overly glamorous, be cautious. 2?? Avoiding Video Calls or Meetings – A catfisher will make excuses to avoid live interactions. 3?? Inconsistent Details – Their stories may change over time or contradict previous statements. 4?? Few or No Friends Online – A suspiciously new account with limited connections is a red flag. 5?? Rushing Personal Connection – They try to build an emotional bond quickly, sometimes for financial requests or personal information. 6?? Suspicious Links or Requests for Money – Never send money or personal information to someone you’ve never met in person.

What to Do If You Suspect Catfishing

Whether you or your students encounter catfishing, here’s how to handle it:

? Verify Their Identity – Use reverse image search to check profile pictures. ? Ask Specific Questions – If someone is lying, they may struggle to provide consistent answers. ? Avoid Sharing Personal Information – Be cautious with private details. ? Report & Block – Most platforms have options to report suspicious users. ? Educate Students About Online Safety – Discuss digital literacy, online deception, and cyber safety in the classroom.

Why This Matters for Educators

As teachers, we must be proactive in discussing online safety with students. Many young people, eager to make new friends online, may fall victim to catfishing scams. By integrating digital citizenship education into our lessons, we empower students to think critically, protect themselves, and recognise warning signs before it’s too late.

?? Let’s Talk: Have you or your students encountered catfishing cases? How do you educate your students about online deception? Share your thoughts in the comments!