catfisher
Fake profile creator
A catfisher is someone who creates a fake online identity to deceive others, typically in romantic or social contexts.
The deception usually involves fabricated photos, invented personal details, and false backstories: She discovered the man she'd been talking to for months was a catfisher using stolen photos.
The term comes from the 2010 documentary *Catfish*.
Dishonest money-making scheme
- fraudIntentional criminal trickery
- hoaxDeliberate deception for effect
- swindleDeception for financial gain
- conArgument against
trickery · deceit · fabrication · pretense · manipulation · dupery · bamboozle · ruse
Fabricated online identity
- impersonationPretending to be another
- personaAssumed public identity
- aliasAdopted false name
- stolen photosImages obtained through theft
sockpuppet · fake account · alter ego · avatar · username · burner account · assumed name · profile picture
Currency for transactions
- lonelinessState of lacking companions
- revengePunishing a wrongdoer
- insecurityUncertainty about oneself
- thrillSurge of intense excitement
attention · financial gain · wire transfer · gift cards · blackmail · extortion · sextortion · romance scam
Manipulative excessive affection
- emotional manipulationExploiting feelings for control
- heartbreakCrushing emotional pain
- affectionWarm emotional attachment
- flirtationPlayful romantic attention
infatuation · false promises · seduction · courtship · sweetheart scam · lonely hearts · devotion · attachment
Object of pursuit
- markVisible impression or sign
- dupeDeceive or victim
- gullibilityEase of being deceived
- trustConfidence in another
vulnerability · heartbreak · financial loss · embarrassment · trauma · warning signs · red flags · discovery
Romance-seeking mobile software
- social mediaOnline content-sharing platforms
- messagingSending written digital communications
- InstagramPhoto-sharing social platform
- FacebookDominant social media platform
chatroom · long distance · internet · online dating · Snapchat · WhatsApp · texting · voice call
scam
Dishonest money-making scheme
- fraudIntentional criminal trickery
- hoaxDeliberate deception for effect
- swindleDeception for financial gain
con · trickery · deceit · fabrication · pretense · manipulation · dupery · bamboozle · ruse · scheme
fake profile
Fabricated online identity
- impersonationPretending to be another
- personaAssumed public identity
- aliasAdopted false name
stolen photos · sockpuppet · fake account · alter ego · avatar · username · burner account · assumed name · profile picture · backstory
money
Currency for transactions
- lonelinessState of lacking companions
- revengePunishing a wrongdoer
- insecurityUncertainty about oneself
thrill · attention · financial gain · wire transfer · gift cards · blackmail · extortion · sextortion · romance scam · advance fee
love bombing
Manipulative excessive affection
- emotional manipulationExploiting feelings for control
- heartbreakCrushing emotional pain
- affectionWarm emotional attachment
flirtation · infatuation · false promises · seduction · courtship · sweetheart scam · lonely hearts · devotion · attachment · trust
target
Object of pursuit
- markVisible impression or sign
- dupeDeceive or victim
- gullibilityEase of being deceived
trust · vulnerability · heartbreak · financial loss · embarrassment · trauma · warning signs · red flags · discovery · confrontation
dating app
Romance-seeking mobile software
- social mediaOnline content-sharing platforms
- messagingSending written digital communications
- InstagramPhoto-sharing social platform
Facebook · chatroom · long distance · internet · online dating · Snapchat · WhatsApp · texting · voice call · reverse image search
- swindlerscon artist, swindler, fraudster, scammer, grifter
- Hackershacker, black hat, cracker, script kiddie, hacktivist
catfisherreal deal
Truly authentic person/thing
straight shooter · truth-teller · verified user · authentic self · open book
- fried catfishBattered and cooked whiskered fish
- catfish fryNewly hatched catfish offspring
- blackened catfishSpice-crusted seared freshwater fish
- catfish stewSimmered freshwater dish
- channel catfishNorth American freshwater fish
- catfish pondBasin for raising catfish