Beware of the Catfish: 5 Major Red Flags You Need to Watch Out For!
Every year, **thousands of singletons** across the globe fall victim to catfish and scammers. With the rise of online dating, the risks have never been greater. It can be devastating to discover that the person you thought you were connecting with is a deceitful impostor.
Recent studies indicate that **40% of individuals** know someone who has been catfished, and a staggering **22% have experienced it themselves**. But fear not! Relationship expert April Davis is here to help keep you safe while navigating the online dating scene.
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April, the founder of LUMA Luxury Matchmaking, has identified five critical signs that suggest you might be dealing with a catfish.
**Understanding the First Red Flag: They Aren’t Online Anywhere Else**
In today’s digital age, it’s unusual for someone to engage in online dating without an established social media presence. If you can’t find your online match on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn, consider it a warning sign. April emphasizes, “If you’re feeling suspicious, casually suggest they add you on a social platform. If they hesitate or their account looks new, take that as a red flag.”
**Love Bombing: A Heartfelt Trap**
Catfish often employ a technique known as “**love bombing**,” which is a form of emotional manipulation where excessive affection is used to sway your feelings. If your online companion showers you with compliments, desires constant communication, and declares love within days, it’s time to tread carefully. Experts note, “Catfish aim to create an emotional bond quickly to capitalize on your willingness to comply with future requests.”
**A One-Sided Conversation? Another Warning Sign**
Have you ever found yourself in a conversation where you’re doing all the talking? If someone seems eager to learn about you but reveals little about themselves, this could signal trouble. Scammers usually maintain a façade, making it difficult for them to share personal experiences. April adds, “If you insist on them opening up and they suddenly go silent, congratulations! You’ve just sidestepped a potential catfish.”
**Expert Insights on Safeguarding Your Heart**
April Davis, a reputable figure in matchmaking, has shared her top advice for anyone who suspects they might be conversing with a catfish.
EXPERT ADVICE FROM APRIL DAVIS
“To protect yourself from catfishers, never divulge any financial information to anyone you’ve only met online. Catfish are expert manipulators, and they often craft elaborate stories to justify their requests for money.
Also, keep personal details to a minimum until you can verify who they are. If their pictures seem too glamorous, perform a reverse image search to check where those images originate. Most importantly, watch for **video call red flags**. While shyness is plausible, if you’ve been chatting for weeks and they refuse to video call, that’s a major concern.”
A Financial Request? Immediate Red Flag!
Requesting money—regardless of the backstory—is a massive red flag. Catfish often invent heartbreaking scenarios to extract funds from their victims. April warns, “Never part with funds or sensitive information to someone you’ve only met online, especially if you haven’t laid eyes on them in person.”
The Mystery of a Hidden Face
It’s no surprise that someone who refuses to show their face over a video call might be a catfish. Often, these individuals utilize stolen photos, and their deepest fear is revealing their true identity. April suggests, “Request a photo of them doing something specific or in an odd pose. If they refuse or provide excuses, consider this a significant indicator that all is not what it seems.”
In conclusion, navigating online dating can be tricky, but being aware of these **red flags** can help you filter out unwanted attention and protect your heart. By staying vigilant and trusting your instincts, you can embrace the journey of finding love in the digital age while safeguarding yourself from the perils of catfishing. Stay safe out there!