Catfishing — Definition
Catfishing means someone uses a fake identity online — typically with stolen photos and fabricated details — to deceive others. On video chat platforms, catfishing is especially relevant because users rely on profile photos to verify who they are talking to.
What Is Catfishing
Catfishing originated as a term for online identity deception, where someone creates a false persona to form relationships or manipulate others. The name comes from the documentary "Catfish" about someone who used a fake identity to pursue romantic relationships online.
On video chat platforms, catfishing typically involves using photos that do not match the actual person, claiming to be a different gender or age than reality, or inventing a completely fake backstory. The goal is usually emotional manipulation or financial fraud.
The rise of anonymous-chat has made catfishing common on platforms without verification requirements.
Signs of Catfishing on Video Chat
Refuses to enable camera: If someone consistently makes excuses for why they cannot use their camera, they may be hiding their real appearance.
Photo mismatches: The person on video looks significantly different from their profile photos. This could mean older photos, someone else's photos, or heavily edited images.
Vague responses: When asked specific questions about their life, they give generic answers that could apply to anyone or quickly change the subject.
Scripted feel: Their responses feel rehearsed or they send the same messages across multiple conversations (a bot indicator as well).
Reverse Image Search to Verify Identity
If you suspect someone is using stolen photos, you can verify using reverse image search. Right-click their profile photo, search for it on Google Images or TinEye, and see if it appears elsewhere on the internet.
If the photo appears on stock image sites, other social media accounts, or appears to belong to a public figure, you are likely dealing with a fake identity.
This technique works for both catfishing and bots using stolen photos to create fake accounts. detected-fake-profiles often use the same stock photos across multiple platforms.
How Coomeet's Verification Prevents Catfishing
Coomeet requires video selfie verification to use the platform. During verification, users must record a short video following specific instructions. The system compares this video to the profile photos.
If the video does not match the photos, verification fails and the account is not created. This makes catfishing on Coomeet significantly harder than on platforms without verified-video-chat requirements.
While verification is not perfect — someone could theoretically use a video of a willing third party — it dramatically reduces catfishing compared to unverified platforms.
What to Do If You Suspect Catfishing
If you suspect someone is catfishing, the safest response is to skip and move on. Do not share personal information, do not send money if they ask, and do not continue the conversation if it feels wrong.
Use the report button to flag the account for platform moderators. Even if verification catches most fake accounts, community reports help platforms identify the ones that slip through.
Trust your instincts. If something feels off about a conversation, it probably is. The skip button exists for exactly this reason — you do not need to justify ending a conversation.
Coomeet's video verification prevents catfishing before it starts. Full Coomeet review →