Guys. I'm sure it's flattering when you get a message from a new Pro, a new untagged pro, or a new female enthusiast who has profile pictures that are glamorous. Gorgeous. They're beautiful.
And they're fake as the double D's that I don't have.
They're a Catfish.
There's no ONE thing that can prevent Catfishing or Catfish attempts, but there are ways that we can be more diligent about the people that we interact with online.
Strategies and Catfish Awareness
- When in doubt, use Google's Reverse Image lookup on someone's profile pics. Another reverse image search engine is tinyeye
- Catfish profiles are often new and don't have many/any friends or karma. They're banking on YOU taking their bait.
- Catfishers will not want to call/video call. Ever.
- Catfishers will have 1 billion reasons and excuses to ever meet up.
- Catfishers will attempt immediate and intense emotional connections. Their goal is you on that string, speared right through the heart.
- Catfishers' stories don't add up, for example, their profile says they live in one part of the world but then they're suddenly in your area.
- Catfishers ask for money or gifts, depending on an emotional connection with you, who took their bait. Never ever send money to someone whose identity you cannot confirm. CuddleComfort is in no way liable or responsible if you DO send money and you DO get Catfished - hence this warning message.
I'm writing this tonight because while I banned a reported/flagged new profile with pics stolen from an adult actress, I also want to point out that us mods can/will suspend accounts on a regular basis until the user verifies their identity. When in doubt - report them. Us mods will take it from there.
My further unsolicited advice:
Practice safe internet. Use the bigger of your two brains. Don't fall for fake accounts.