What are the most common types of online dating scams I should be aware of when looking for a serious relationship with someone online?

You should be aware of several types of catfishing scams. The most common is **romantic catfishing**, where scammers create fake profiles on dating sites to build relationships with victims [1]. Other types include **financial catfishing**, where scammers try to trick you into sending them money [2], **identity theft catfishing**, where they seek personal information for identity theft [3], **revenge catfishing**, often aimed at exes or enemies [2], and **cyberbullying catfishing**, used for harassment [3]. All these types involve **fake identities through fake photos and profiles to trick users** [4] and have the same end goal [1].

How can I tell if a woman I'm talking to online who I hope to marry is genuinely who she says she is, or if she might be catfishing me?

There are several signs that can help you determine if someone online is genuine. Real people often **take things slow and steady** in building a connection [5]. Be cautious if someone you've just met online is **quick to send photos**, especially compromising ones [6]. Scammers often **avoid meetups and video calls** [7]. Look for **normal social media profiles with a healthy number of friends and interactions** [8]. Real daters ask **normal and sensible questions** [5], and their stories tend to be **realistic** rather than overly dramatic [8]. A significant green light is if they **show their faces without hesitation** when you suggest a video call [8].

What are some red flags I should watch out for in online communication that might indicate I'm being targeted by a romance scammer?

Be wary of individuals who **bombard you with compliments and sweet nothings** excessively, as this is often a manipulative tactic [7]. Scammers often follow a **script** to build trust quickly [9]. Be suspicious if someone you've just started talking to **requests personal secrets or confidential information** early on [7]. Also, if their stories seem overly dramatic or unbelievable [8], or if they consistently make excuses to avoid video calls or meeting in person [7], these are **red flags** [7, 10].

If someone I meet online, who I am considering for marriage, starts asking for money for travel, medical emergencies, or other urgent situations, is this a sign of a scam?

Yes, **suspicious requests**, especially for money, are a significant red flag [7]. **Financial catfishing** is a common motive for scammers [2]. Once they believe they have gained your trust, they may ask for financial assistance, often with urgent or emotional stories. It's crucial to be cautious and avoid complying with such requests from someone you haven't met in person, no matter how compelling their story may seem [5, 7].

Why do people engage in catfishing and online romance scams, and what are their typical goals?

Catfishers have various reasons for their actions. Some may be looking to **boost their self-esteem** by creating a desirable fake identity [11]. Others might be experiencing **mental health issues** or a lack of social connection [11]. In some cases, they may seek **revenge** against someone [2, 11]. However, a very common goal is **financial gain**, where they use fake profiles to trick people into sending them money [2]. They may also be looking to steal personal information for **identity theft** [3]. Regardless of their motives, their actions can cause significant emotional and financial harm [11].

Types of Catfish Scams to Look Out For

Which types of catfish scams should you watch out for?

How can you tell if your match is catfishing you? Frankly, fishing out these scammers can be easier said than done. Some are so seasoned that they can run a catfishing scam off the back of their hand, undetected.

That subtlety is one reason catfishing is especially dangerous. We can’t know a person on the other side of the screen unless they show themselves.

This is why we should keep our guard up online as we look for matches. Scammers are just waiting for an opening to pounce on victims. Protect yourself by watching out for these types of catfish scams.

The Definition and Intentions

The catfishing we’re referring to has little to do with aquatic creatures with whiskers. The term may have originated from how they’re often traded alongside cod fish to put survival pressure on the latter. But we’re referring to a scam that plenty have fallen victim to. So, take the aquarium out of the equation and go online.

Catfishing involves people taking on false identities through fake photos and profiles to trick users.

This scam shows no signs of stopping. According to a CNN report, catfishing scams in the United States accounted for one of the largest reported internet crime-related financial losses in 2022, with 19,050 Americans losing nearly $740 million.

How cruel, right? How come some people can do such a thing?

Catfishers have reasons for carrying out their crimes. One, they may be looking to boost their deteriorating self-esteem by reinventing themselves. Two, their mental health may be in a downward spiral due to a lack of social connections. Or three, they may want payback.

Do note, though, that their motives go beyond what’s listed here. Sometimes, scammers even have more than one reason behind their operations.

And these aren’t justifications. Hurt people don’t have the right to cause misfortune to others. However, recognizing the driving factors cultivates an empathetic mindset and behavior, possibly reducing the appeal of catfishing.

The DNA of Catfishing Scams

You may have heard your fair share of catfishing scam stories. If so, have you noticed a pattern?

Scammers usually follow a script, which they consider the most effective way to build trust with their victims and quickly fulfill their motives. But you can use this predictability against them.

Know the pattern and respond better. Here’s how a catfish scam usually plays out:

Step #1: Fake identity creation

This step is where the fake photos come in. Scammers use these and other fabricated details (addresses, degrees, jobs, etc.) to create dating profiles.

If not, they hack unsuspecting accounts and use them to carry out their motives. Whatever they employ, they all have one goal: to lure potential victims.

Step #2: Introduction and “evidence”

After setting up their profiles, catfishers make themselves known. They scout for targets and slip into their inboxes. They start with the usual greetings and follow with a photo (or two) to make their victims think they’re real. Unfortunately, many fail to realize that real people aren’t quick to send their photos (especially compromising ones) due to privacy and safety reasons.

Step #3: Flattery and deception

Catfishers will try to send as much photographic evidence as possible to erase doubts. But they won’t do anything that can give away their real identities. With this, they consider meetups and video calls as no-gos. Instead, they resort to overpraising and lying.

Giving compliments and saying sweet nothings are one thing. Bombarding someone with them is another. The latter is a red flag because it’s manipulative.

Step #4: Suspicious requests

When scammers finally have their victims’ trust, they ask them for something. It can range from personal secrets to confidential information. If they seem weird, don’t comply. They’ll just run off after they get what they need.

What Are the Different Types of Catfish Scams?

As stated earlier, catfishing comes in different types. They all have the same end goal, but scammers carry them out differently. Let’s go through each one.

Man looking out for a catfishing scam online

Regardless of type, avoid falling for a catfishing scam.

Romantic Catfishing

This type is the most common among all the known ones for a reason.

Many scammers create victims through online dating. With the number of singles, they’ll never run out of “sources of income.” Registration is also quick and easy, allowing them to kickstart their operations in no time.

Revenge Catfishing

In the first section, we mentioned revenge as a possible motive. Allow us to further this.

Some scammers put all their effort into making fake profiles to settle the score with exes and supposed enemies. It doesn’t matter if it’s embarrassing or will ruin their reputation; these people will stop at nothing to cause misery.

Financial Catfishing

Most catfishers want to fatten their bank accounts. They use their fake profiles to trick people into giving them their hard-earned money. They do this in various ways, from impersonating institutions to setting up fake fundraisers.

Identity Theft Catfishing

When a catfisher asks for personal information, they’re likely taking the identity theft route. They’ll take the data and build a new profile to fool people, often their victims’ families, friends, or lovers.

Cyberbullying Catfishing

Take the same rage that fuels type #2 and put it in this last one. It’s a different level of vile when one creates a fake profile dedicated to harassing someone. This is how trolling works: bully somebody until they can’t fight back.

How Do I Know If the Person I’m Talking to Online Is Real?

The number of scam stories you can read online mirrors the research statistics on catfishing scams, and it’s concerning. According to digital security platform Aura, 65% of dating app users have concerns regarding catfishing. Sadly, nearly half fell victim.

But this doesn’t mean you should give up on online dating altogether. You can always try to know how real the person on the other end of the line is. These signs should point you to the green light:

#1: They don’t speed things up

Love takes time to build and grow. It doesn’t take a genius to know that.

You know your match is real when they take things slow and steady. People run at different speeds, but they naturally match yours.

#2: They don’t request anything odd

Scammers rely on the art of storytelling to fulfill their objectives. On the other hand, real daters don’t beat around the bush. They ask normal and sensible questions like any sane person would when dating.

#3: Their profiles look normal

Be suspicious of social media profiles with small friend lists and minimal interactions. If there’s a healthy amount of both on display, you know you’re not engaging with a scammer.

#4: Their stories are realistic

An online dating scammer tends to be a dramatic storyteller. A real person would tell you like it is without the chills and frills.

#5: They show their faces without hesitation

Say you’ve been talking to a match for a few weeks, and you want to see their face. You’re out of the weeds when they accept and show up for a video call without flinching.

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Every dater should learn the types of catfish scams for their security and peace of mind. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

References:

Nguyen, Sen. 2024. “What Is Catfishing and What Can You Do If You Are Catfished?” CNN Business. https://edition.cnn.com/2024/01/29/tech/catfishing-explained-what-to-do-as-equals-intl-cmd/index.html.

Knowles, Jason. 2025. “How to Protect Yourself from Romance Scams with AI on the Rise.” ABC7 Chicago. https://abc7chicago.com/post/worried-getting-catfished-how-avoid-online-romance-scams-around-valentines-day-2025/15907188/.