7 Signs You're Being Catfished

"Catfishing" means someone is pretending to be a person they're not — usually with stolen photos and a made-up identity. It's incredibly common on dating apps, and the people behind it are often very practised. Here are the seven clearest signs, followed by the one move that settles it for good.

1. They refuse to video call

This is the number-one tell. A catfish can't show you the real face behind the photos, so there's always an excuse — broken camera, shy, bad connection. A genuine person who likes you will jump at a quick video call.

2. Their photos look too perfect — or too few

Model-quality shots with no casual, everyday photos are a warning sign. So is a profile with only one or two images. Run the pictures through a reverse image search; if they belong to someone else, you have your answer.

3. They fall for you almost immediately

Intense affection within days — "I've never felt this way," "you're my soulmate" — before you've truly met is a manipulation script, not real feeling.

4. They want to leave the app fast

Pushing to move to WhatsApp or text right away removes the platform's safety features and moderation. Genuine matches are happy to take their time.

5. The details don't add up

Stories that change, a job or location that keeps shifting, or language that doesn't match their claimed background. Catfish juggle many targets and lose track.

6. They're always "almost" able to meet

Plans to meet are made, then cancelled by a sudden crisis — every single time. The relationship stays permanently long-distance by design.

7. Money enters the conversation

Any request for money, gift cards, or crypto — however emotional the reason — is the moment to stop. This is the goal of most fake profiles.

Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it usually is — and asking for a quick video call early will resolve almost any doubt. Better still, start on a platform where everyone is verified from the beginning, so being catfished simply isn't on the table.