How to Spot a Catfish: Tips for Staying Safe Online

Online dating has made it possible to meet interesting people with different values, ways of life, beliefs, etc., from other parts of the world with the hope of building romantic relationships—all from the comfort of your phone or laptop. While it has opened many exciting doors, it has also brought a few risks. One of the biggest? Catfishing.

Suppose you’ve heard stories of people falling for someone online only to discover that the person wasn’t who they claimed to be. In that case, you’ve heard about catfishing. And while it might seem like something that only happens in TV shows or movies, it’s more common than many think.

Whether using platforms like Match Naija or other dating sites, staying alert and protecting yourself is essential. This guide will explain catfishing, the warning signs to watch for, and how to protect your heart and information.

What Is Catfishing?

This concept existed long before online dating. It became a thing: Catfishing creates a fake online identity—often using stolen photos and made-up details—to trick others into emotional relationships, sometimes for money or attention. The term became popular through documentaries and reality shows. Still, it’s a real issue affecting thousands worldwide, including Nigeria.

The goal of a catfish can vary. Some do it for fun or boredom, others for financial scams or emotional manipulation. Regardless of the motive, the results can be emotionally damaging and financially devastating.

Why Is Catfishing Common in Online Dating?

Online platforms make it easy to hide behind a screen. Someone can create a fake profile in minutes using a random picture, a made-up name, and a convincing story. Because many people search for genuine love or connection, getting emotionally invested is easy, especially when the person on the other end seems perfect.

But real love requires real people. So, how do you know if someone’s being honest with you or just playing a role?

10 Red Flags That Could Mean You’re Talking to a Catfish

Here are some signs to watch out for:

1. They Avoid Video Calls or Meetings in Person

Catfish almost always avoid face-to-face contact. They may claim their camera is broken, they’re too shy, or their internet is too poor. But if they keep dodging video chats or meetups over time, that’s a big red flag.

2. Their Photos Look Too Perfect

If their pictures look like they came from a fashion magazine or celebrity profile, they might not be real. You can reverse-search their image on Google to check if it appears elsewhere (more on this later).

3. They Fall in Love Too Quickly

Catfish often try to build emotional intimacy quickly. If someone calls you “baby” or says “I love you” within a few days or weeks, be cautious—especially if you’ve never met in person.

4. They Have a Tragic Backstory

While genuine people have real struggles, catfish often use dramatic stories to gain sympathy or justify why they can’t meet—things like “I lost my parents,” “I was in a bad accident,” or “I’m stuck abroad.”

5. They Ask for Money

This is one red flag that must not be overlooked. Whether they ask for money to be bailed out of jail, pay a hospital bill, or buy their granddaughter food, never send money to someone you don’t know.

6. Their Profile Details Don’t Match

Pay attention to details that don’t make sense. Do their pictures all look like the same person, or do some look like someone else? Do they say they are 50, but their lingo resembles someone in their 20s?

7. They Avoid Answering Personal Questions

Catfish often keep conversations vague or repeat details from earlier chats. Be careful if they dodge questions about their life, background, or family.

8. They Try to Move You Off the Dating Platform Quickly

Many scammers try to move the chat quickly to WhatsApp, Telegram, or email, where moderation is lower. Please be careful if they rush to remove the conversation from the App.

9. They Have Few Friends or Social Media Presence

A genuine person will likely have a trail of photos, posts, and interactions. If their social media looks empty or recently created, that’s suspicious.

10. Their Story Sounds Too Good to Be True

A successful, attractive, wealthy person who just happened to stumble on your profile and wants to marry you immediately? It could happen, but always stay grounded and cautious.

How to Protect Yourself From Catfish

Now that you know the warning signs, below is a list of ways to ensure you stay protected and safe online:

✅ Do a Reverse Image Search

Using tools like Google Images or TinEye, you can search for pictures of the person you are chatting with to see if they appear elsewhere and to determine whether the person you are talking with just went online and took a picture of someone else to give you.

How to use it- Upload their photo to Google Images or TinEye and see if it appears elsewhere. If it’s linked to a different name or location, that’s a clear sign something’s off.

✅ Verify Their Story

Could you ask questions to catch inconsistencies? When you ask your questions, take note of your questions and the answers they give, intending to ask them again later to see if they are consistent.

Also, if they say they work in Abuja, ask them for the company’s name and address. If their answer is vague, take note of it.

✅ Keep Communication on the App

Stay on the dating platform for as long as possible, where there’s some protection and moderation. Reputable apps like Match Naija have reporting tools to flag suspicious behavior.

✅ Don’t Share Sensitive Information

Never share essential and sensitive information, such as your finances, home address, bank details, or passwords, with someone you’ve just met online.

✅ Talk to Someone You Trust

Sometimes, it’s easier for friends or family to spot red flags you might miss. Could you talk to someone you trust and get their opinion if something feels off? creates 

✅ Trust Your Gut

If something feels wrong, it probably is. Don’t ignore that uneasy feeling in your stomach. Could you take a step back and reassess?

What to Do If You’ve Been Catfished

If you realize you’ve been catfished, don’t blame yourself. These scammers can be persuasive; many smart people have fallen for them.

Here’s what to do:

1. Cut Off Contact Immediately – Don’t try to confront them or get closure. Just block and move on.
2. Report the Profile – Use the dating platform’s reporting feature to prevent them from scamming others.
3. Tell Someone You Trust – It helps you process what happened and heal.
4. Protect Your Accounts – Change any passwords you may have shared. If you sent money, notify your bank.
5. Stay Kind to Yourself – I understand the propensity to feel foolish after falling for a trickster, but I do not want you to be too hard on yourself. It just means that you are human and you believe in someone. That’s not a weakness; it’s a sign of your big heart.

Final Thoughts: Stay Smart, Stay Open

Yes! Stay open, but stay smart! While online dating is still one of the best ways to meet the love of your life, you must approach it with caution. In this world of online dating, it is better to be safe than sorry- it could be the start of something beautiful or disastrous.

So, listen to your guts and ask questions.

Remember: a genuine connection will never require lies, pressure, or secrets.

The right person will show up—honestly, consistently, and proudly. Until then, protect your peace and your heart. You deserve nothing less.

Also read: Cultural Differences in Nigerian Dating: North vs South