How Not To Get Catfished

We’re in the age of the Internet, smart phones, social media and online dating. You can find the man of your dreams with just a couple clicks of your mouse! While that might be convenient for some, it’s also a little scary since you never know exactly who (or what) is talking to you on the other end. If you’ve seen MTV’s television show “Catfish”, then you’re all too familiar with the downside of online dating.  If you’ve been keeping up with the series, you’ve seen countless of hopeless lovers, desperate to meet a boyfriend, girlfriend (and in some cases fiancé) in person after months and even years of online dating, only to find out that they’ve been deceived.  For those of you who take Internet dating very seriously, here’s eight tips that we’ve learned from the people at “Catfish” to ensure that you don’t become a “catfish” victim.

MUST READ: MTV’s ‘Catfish’ Reveals The Big Fat Problem With Internet Dating [POLL]

Do Your Research 

Now-a-days, everyone has a social media account (if not multiple), that includes: Linked In, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and I’ll even throw MySpace in there! It’s extremely rare that you meet someone that doesn’t use at least one of those platforms, which makes it even easier for you to do your research! He said he works at XYZ Company–a quick Linked In search can verify that. He graduated from ABC University–his Facebook network can back that claim.  After all, if he’s lying about something as simple as his place of employment, that gives you reason to speculate elsewhere.

Image Search Is Your Friend

If you’ve seen MTV’s “Catfish”, then you’ve seen the infamous image search. For those of you who aren’t familiar, image search is when you drag any image into Google and all of the locations where that image is located online, will appear. Translation: if you’re friends with your cyber boo on Facebook you can run an image search on their pictures to determine if those pictures really belong to them or someone else! Seems simple, right? You’d be surprised about how often this step is overlooked. Side eye.

Must Read: Why Some Women Rock At Online Dating

If It’s Too Good To Be True, It Probably Is

Honestly, if you’ve met someone that has the same pictures as let’s say… Idris Elba in all his sexiness, newsflash, you’re probably getting catfished. Hate to burst your bubble but would Idris Elba be looking for love on Facebook or Twitter? I think not.

Video Chat

It’s 2013, there’s no excuse! Every computer comes equipped with a web cam and if you don’t have a laptop then FaceTime and Skype are free apps that are available for any smart phone. If your cyber boo comes up with multiple excuses as to why he can’t video chat after you’ve been texting and chatting over the phone for more then two months… yup you guessed it, you’re being catfished.

Must Read: 3 Most Useless Online Dating Criteria

Don’t “Sext”

This rule can apply for any relationship but especially online ones. Sending your cyber lover a sexy picture of yourself might not be the best idea, especially if you’ve never even met him before. You never know where your pictures might end up and could possibly remain in cyber space forever.

Don’t Send Money

Sounds pretty obvious right? But after seeing some of these “relationships” on “Catfish” we have to cover all bases. Don’t (I REPEAT) don’t send money to your cyber lover no matter how much they beg. For one thing, sending money to someone that you’ve never met in person before is little strange and makes you look desperate! Save your coins and yourself the heart ache, don’t do it.

Take Your Time

This rule applies to everything in life but especially an online relationship. Take your time in getting to know your cyber buddy and don’t rush things too fast. Remember, everything happens in steps. It’s better to establish a strong cyber friendship first before you start on a cyber/long distance relationship.

After You’ve Covered All Bases, It’s Time To Meet In Person

Normally I wouldn’t advise meeting someone you’ve chatted with online in person (unless of course you’ve done the necessary background checks and your cyber boo isn’t a psycho) but if you must, please proceed with caution. It’s probably wise to meet in a very public place and maybe bring a friend along just to make sure things run smoothly (and if things get weird you have an excuse to leave!)

With that being said, if you MUST date online, be alert, be aware and be smart! Follow these rules and you won’t need Nev and Max (of “Catfish”) to help you out of a sticky situation!

And now for your viewing pleasure, the latest episode of “Catfish”:

MUST READ: MTV’s ‘Catfish’ Reveals The Big Fat Problem With Internet Dating [POLL]

MUST READ: What Does Catfish Mean?

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