Written in collaboration with Marisa Cohen, Relationship Scientist at Bumble.
You’ve probably heard the term before. Maybe you’ve even experienced it firsthand. Catfishing is when someone creates a fake identity or misrepresents themselves to deceive others. Sometimes this means using someone else's photos. Other times, it means exaggerating parts of their life or appearance (sometimes called kittenfishing).
People can catfish for different reasons, but whatever the motivation, they can leave the other person feeling embarrassed or betrayed. It is important to remember that if you've been catfished, it says far more about the person who deceived you than it does about you.
Dating apps make it easier than ever to meet new people, but it's natural to wonder whether someone is really who they say they are before you meet in person. If you are thinking of meeting someone IRL, we have a dedicated article with tips for meeting a match in person for the first time.
That’s where verification can help, giving you a little more confidence in who you’re connecting with. Verified members also get noticed more, make more matches, and enjoy higher-quality chats. A little extra trust can go a long way!
Why do people catfish others?
People catfish for different reasons. Some people feel insecure and create a version of themselves they think others will like more. Others may be looking for attention, emotional validation, or, in more serious cases, money or personal information.
Whatever the reason, trust is the foundation of any healthy relationship. When someone isn't honest about who they are, it's difficult to build a genuine connection.
Signs you could be being catfished
No single sign means someone is definitely catfishing you, but these are some common red flags to look out for:
Their story keeps changing
One of the biggest warning signs that you're being catfished is inconsistency. If details about their life don't seem to add up, or their answers are consistently vague or contradictory, trust your instincts. One small inconsistency isn't always a cause for concern, but a pattern of changing stories is worth paying attention to.
They avoid video calls or meeting in person
Life gets busy, and it's normal for plans to change occasionally. But if someone repeatedly avoids video calls, phone calls, or meeting in person without a clear reason, it may be a sign that they're not being honest about who they are.
They ask for money or personal information
This is a major red flag.
Be cautious if someone you've never met asks for money, financial help, passwords, verification codes, or other personal information. Healthy relationships develop over time and never rely on pressure or urgency.
What to do if you think you're being catfished
If something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts.
If you believe someone is misrepresenting themselves, you can report their profile directly in the Bumble app so our team can investigate. You can learn more about how to report this behavior in our reporting someone article.
If you don't feel comfortable continuing the conversation, you don't have to. You can stop replying, block the account, and report it at any time.
Being catfished can leave you feeling disappointed, confused, or embarrassed. Acknowledge those feelings, but remember that someone else's dishonesty doesn't define your experience or your value.
The best connections happen when people show up as themselves. You deserve honesty, respect, and someone who's excited to get to know the real you!