Dating apps and online dating have become even more prevalent in recent years, with more and more people turning to the internet to find love. However, with the rise of virtual connections, there has also been a rise in catfishing and romance scams. In 2022, reports of romance scams reached a record $413 million in losses reported to the Federal Trade Commission in the United States.

While catfishing can happen to anyone, younger women have become increasingly vulnerable to emotional catfishing, which can have devastating consequences. But if you know the signs to spot a fake boyfriend, you can move forward and date with confidence. And that’s where we come in!

Here are 4 Sure Signs Your Online Boyfriend is a Catfish:

 

He Will Never Meet You In Person

• One of the biggest red flags is if your online boyfriend refuses to meet you in person. Even if you’ve talked on the phone and heard his voice, if he doesn’t make any effort to see you face-to-face, he may not be who he claims to be.

His Online Identity is a Mismatch

• If you’ve tried to do some digging on your online boyfriend and his name or photo doesn’t match up with the guy you think he is, you might have a problem. If he tries to explain it away, be cautious.

He Only Calls You At One Time Of Day

• If your man is only available during specific hours and denies your call if you reach out during off-peak hours, you might be his side chick. Be wary of men who only communicate during strange hours, it could mean he’s hiding something.

He Has Lots of Pretty Lady Friends Online

• If your online boyfriend has a very small group of friends and is friends with an abundance of women, it could be a sign that he’s not who he claims to be. Be cautious of predators who use social media to connect with multiple women.

It’s important to remember that the point of online dating is to actually date. If you suspect that you might be dealing with a catfish, it’s best to cut off communication and move on. Always do your due diligence before meeting someone in person and never send money to someone you’ve never met in real life.

But with a little bit of caution and common sense, you can protect yourself from online romance scams and find true love. Now get out there and start swiping!