How Not to Get Hooked by a Catfishing Scam

Protect yourself from being lured in.

Lending Access - These days free access to computers and the Internet are almost as important as borrowing books. According to Pew Research Center poll results released  Jan. 27, 77 percent said such access is a "very important" service, including 92 percent of African-Americans, 86 percent of Latinos and 72 percent of whites. Eighty percent said borrowing books is very important. (Photo: Fuse / Getty Images)

1 / 6

Don't Take the Bait - For some, the Internet can give someone the freedom to show a side they don’t make public. For others, it’s a chance to be someone they’re not, a phenomenon known as “catfishing,” or creating a fake online identity to pursue romantic relationships with unsuspecting victims. Keep reading for tips to protect yourself from being lured in. — Britt Middleton (Photo: Getty Images/STOCK)

Catfish - In the (mock?) documentary Catfish, a photographer begins receiving pictures from someone who he thinks is an 8-year-old girl. After communicating with her online and her family online, he goes to meet them and finds out she is a an old woman with mental issues. (Photo: Hit the Ground Running Films)

2 / 6

The Origins - The term was coined in a 2010 documentary called Catfish, where a young man uncovers that his online relationship with a woman he met on Facebook was a lie. The film was turned into a series for MTV. (Photo: Hit the Ground Running Films)

High Profile Victim - Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o claims he was the victim of catfishing after reports alleged that his online girlfriend never existed. In interviews, Te’o talked at length about the alleged woman, Lennay Kekua, who allegedly died from leukemia last September. Te’o called her his motivation for leading his team to win after win this past season. (Photo: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

3 / 6

High Profile Victim - Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o claims he was the victim of catfishing after reports alleged that his online girlfriend never existed. In interviews, Te’o talked at length about the alleged woman, Lennay Kekua, who allegedly died from leukemia last September. Te’o called her his motivation for leading his team to win after win this past season. (Photo: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Programmers - Many countries are looking to import programmers and developers including Australia, Ireland, Brazil and the U.K. (Photo: Getty Images/STOCK)

4 / 6

Where Do Catfishers Strike - Social media websites like Facebook and Twitter are often where scammers prey. The catfisher often uses stolen pictures from other users’ profiles to support their ruse. (Photo: Getty Images/STOCK)

/content/dam/betcom/images/2012/02/National-02-16-02-29/022812-national-secrets-google-computer.jpg

5 / 6

Why Do People Catfish? - On the MTV series, online scammers are confronted by their victims. Some said they did it because they were victims of online bullying themselves. Experts say catfishers thrive off creating drama in other people’s lives. (Photo: Nick Pandolfo/MCT /LANDOV)

DON’T Expect White Tablecloths - Do you have money for fancy restaurants and bottle service? No? So don’t expect that freshman who asked you out to drop a ton of cash on a date with you. In fact, be prepared to split the bill at the dive you hit up around the corner from campus, or better yet, plan a free date, like a walk in the park or an outdoor movie.  (Photo: Fuse/Getty Images)

6 / 6

How Can You Protect Yourself? - If you are going to date online, experts suggest doing so with people who live in your city so that it is more likely you will meet in person. Be wary if the person asks you for personal information or money, as scammers will try to prey on your sympathy. (Photo: Getty Images/STOCK)