Have You Been The Victim Of A ‘Catfishing Scam’? – Los Alamos Reporter

LAPD NEWS RELEASE

What Is Catfishing?

Catfishing is when a person takes information and images, typically from another person, and uses them to create a new identity for themselves. In some cases, a catfisher steals another individual’s complete identity; including images, date of birth, and geographical location, pretending it is their own. The catfisher uses this new identity to lure their target into an artificial relationship, usually through social media or dating website 

Why Do People Catfish?

People catfish for several reasons. Although some do not have malicious intent, others will directly seek harm towards individuals. Some primary reasons behind catfishing include:

• Insecurity
• Concealing their identity
• Mental illness
• Revenge
• Experimenting with sexual preferences
• To harass their target
• Personal gain

5 Possible Signs You Are Being Catfished

It can be difficult to tell when you are being catfished, particularly if the…