How to tell you’re being catfished? Most effective tips

Beware of ‘red flags’

Think someone may be a catfisher? Here are telltale signs that you should look for:

• Stories that don’t make sense or are overly dramatic - Family tragedies mentioned before you know each other well are an obvious scam.
• Meeting and video calls refusal - Catfish will make up excuses as to why they can’t meet with you or call you. Don’t fall for it!
• Sending suspicious images - pictures that don’t look like they were taken with the same camera, not sending pictures on the spot, and many more - pay attention to details like these!

What will scammers do to seem legitimate?

There are many tactics catfishers use, but here are some obvious examples:

• Images that they stole and edited - sometimes scammers will download a picture and edit it to make it look like they took it.
• Usage of AI - AI-generated pictures and video calls with filters that are additionally powered by AI are getting more and more popular.

Use reverse image search to find scammers

• Faces - Put their face in a Reverse Image Search engine and check if it’s really them. Often they will use less-known celebrities or pictures stolen from social media.
• Images they claim were taken by them - Pictures of house, pets, food, as well as their art - those can be found online with ease. Always make sure they didn’t steal those pictures from the web!

Tutorial on how to find scammers using lenso.ai with high accuracy

Find people*

Suspect it’s AI? You can test it out first.

1. Download a picture from thispersondoesnotexist.com. All the pictures on this website are AI-generated.
2. Visit lenso.ai and upload the image on the main page
3. The results should show many vaguely similar faces, all AI-made

Remember: while this method will be able to show you if the image is AI-generated, it won’t work for all engines.

Pictures of other AI-generated people

*Available in selected regions

If you suspect the images are stolen:

1. Visit lenso.ai reverse image search engine
2. Paste the image the stranger sent
3. Check if there are any matches for this face. Often, the matches are some foreign celebrities or random people from social media.

Face search on lenso

Remember! This method will help you find a catfisher, but it’s not foolproof! Some AI images will not act this way.**

What else can you use reverse image search for? Click to find out!

Find different pictures they send with Reverse Image Search

1. Open lenso.ai on your iPhone, Android or desktop
2. Upload the picture they sent you
3. Check if the image you received appeared anywhere else online

Even art that seems organic may be a stolen piece

Watch this video to find out more about avoiding scam:

Use tools like lenso.ai or other reverse image search engines to stay safe online, and trust your instincts when interacting with strangers. Always verify someone's identity before sending any money, and avoid engaging with anyone who asks for financial help. Additionally, if you suspect catfishing, check your phone for spy apps and malware, particularly if the person has requested remote access, sent suspicious links, or asked you to install any applications. When meeting new people, be sure to choose crowded, public places like restaurants.