Image via Complex Original
This feature is a part of Computer Love Week. For more, check in daily.
When we talk about catfishing, we're not referring to the salty fish used in Cajun cuisine. We're talking about the documentary-turned-TV show that helps people figure out if the person they met online and fallen in love with is actually a real person. We're talking about Manti T'eo, the Notre Dame linebacker whose fake online girlfriend took him for a two-year ride that was exposed on the sports site, Deadspin. Look, dating is hard, but nothing is worse than trying to get over someone who deceived you, stole your money, and/or made you look like a chump. To that end, just in time for Valentine's Day, we've compiled a list of 15 things all humans should do before getting involved with someone online. Because if it sounds too good to be true, chances are you're being played like a fiddle.
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Be Wary
Rule number one: If you aren't cautious on the Internet, maybe you shouldn't be on it in the first place. And this doesn't just go for dating. You should be cautious about anything you do on the Internet: Banking, shopping, Liking Instagram images. Leaving a digital footprint is one thing, but being a gullible fool is another. Use your best judgment when dating online as you never know who's on the other line.
Google Them
Like any good journalist, the best tool in your fact-checking kit is Google. As soon as you get their name-and you should always get their name-plug it in and see what turns up. We also recommend running searches on Twitter and Wikipedia, because if the Internet says it's shady, then the rest of the world probably thinks so, too.
Check Their Facebook Profile
While it isn't the best judge of character, Facebook is rather useful for determining if you're a real person or not. A low friend count is a dead giveaway, as catfishers hate taking time to create 10 to 15 fake friends that'll make their account seem real. You can bet you're being conned if they've barely used the site or don't have tagged photos.
Stalk Them
Yes, really. Stalk them. Call the place where they say claim to work, get names of their alleged friends, and it all into Google. Do whatever you can to ensure they're not lying. And if they are, drop them. Immediately. Seriously. Abandon all hope.
Verify Their Picture
Google Image Search is your best friend in times like these. Plug in your paramour's photo and the site will check multiple websites including Facebook to see where it's being used. If it appears on several different profiles and with different names to boot, you've just caught a catfish.
Go Slow
Before you book that all expenses paid cruise, take care not to fall too quickly. Declarations of love and sexy photos are tad too much in the first few days, don't you think?
Take a Look at the Man in the Mirror
Be honest with yourself-are you really in love or just desperate? Investing yourself in a relationship with someone you've never met is kind of like telling your friends about that book you've been "working on." It'll feel great when you say it, but deep down you'll know you're a phony.
Tell Your Friends
Embarrassing? Yes. But also very necessary. Tell your closest friends everything; the entire situation. See what they say. Suffer the teasing now, lest you really get dogged for it later. Better to get clowned by your boys than to wind up standing in front of a cabin in South Dakota wondering how you were fooled by an overweight Piggly Wiggly store clerk.
Pick Up The Phone
The worst phone offenders are usually cheaters. If someone you're dating can't even muster the courage to call, you have to ask yourself why you're wasting your time.
Shoot Them A Text
Again, if you're really "dating" someone, you should already be texting with him or her. If your boo won't let you text them, you should know something's up. Even jump-offs get text messages.
Put In Some Face Time
Dying to know if you're pulling a Manti? Try inviting your pen pal to Skype or Facetime for ten minutes. If they get all evasive about it, you can put two and two together and assume you're being duped.
Take It Offline
And now for the best way to catch a catfish: Ask to meet in person. Granted, you should work your way up to this after establishing a rapport, but theoretically anyone who likes you will want to see you up close.
Keep Personal Info Under Wraps
Leave your Social Security card at home, as that's for you and your accountant's eyes only. Even if this person does turn out to be legit, by no means should you share any of your personal information with them. Hell, you shouldn't share personal information with people you meet in real life, let alone someone who tells you she models for Victoria Secret's Russian catalog.
Never Give Money
You really should never do this. Just no. Especially if they ask you to wire money via Western Union. That's like the oldest trick in the con artist's handbook.
Stay Off The Internet
Everyone and their father has tried online dating, but, like meggings, that doesn't mean you should. Considering all the lying that goes on on these sites, there's a chance you'll have better luck meeting someone at your local dive bar. And we aren't just saying that because most people lie about their height. That's totally reasonable.
