With almost nine million users in the UK alone, dating apps are more popular than ever. In fact, 32% of new couples between 2015 and 2019 started their relationship online. It’s not hard to see why apps like Tinder or Bumble have taken over. Because they allow people to chat before meeting in person, they’re great for introverts who struggle to meet new people the old-fashioned way.
So, what’s the downside? Well, despite their popularity, most dating apps have one serious safety issue they have not addressed – catfishing. But what exactly is catfishing, what are the key signs and is catfishing illegal in the UK? Let’s find out.
What is catfishing?
A catfish is a person who creates a fake online identity to deceive someone. The term gained massive popularity with the MTV show of the same name, which aimed to uncover real-life catfishing cases. But catfishing is no laughing matter.
Research carried out by BetMinded found that nearly 40% of 25-34 year olds in the UK have been drawn in by a fake online profile, with dating apps and Facebook being some of the most common platforms for catfishing scams. So, what’s involved?
Catfishing usually involves using someone else’s photos, name and personal details (or creating fictitious ones) to trick dating app or social media users into believing they are someone else. It can occur for many reasons – some more serious than others.
Related Resources: What is Catfishing? Navigating the Sea of Online Dating
Why do people catfish others?
Many catfishes are just lonely people hiding behind an embellished or false persona to build a relationship with someone out of their reach. Victims of this form of identity deception are often left feeling embarrassed and disappointed, and they may develop trust issues. However, this type of catfishing isn’t generally deemed dangerous.
With that said, some catfishes create fake profiles for sexual reasons, financial gain, revenge or to undertake cyberbullying, which are all very damaging. As such, it’s only normal for catfishing victims in these cases to want to start legal action against the person who deceived them. But is catfishing illegal in the UK? Read on to learn more.
Is it illegal to catfish someone?
The short and sweet answer is no – catfishing is not a criminal offence in the UK. This is because the Malicious Communications Act 1988 and the Communications Act 2003 are severely outdated and do not contain laws on online impersonation. The only exception to this rule is if the catfish impersonates a police officer or a solicitor.
But just because catfishing isn’t illegal per se, doesn’t mean that you can’t take your catfish to court. Below, we explore some instances where acts associated with the personation of someone online would be considered unlawful.
When is catfishing illegal in the UK?
Sharing images of a sexual nature without consent
Often, catfishing practices are employed to gain sexual content from a person who believes they are communicating with a romantic partner they can trust. As they get closer to their victims and dupe them into a relationship, catfishes will try to engage in intimate conversation with them and encourage them to share explicit images.
Their main target is to obtain intimate pictures or videos that they can then share – or even sell – without the victim’s consent. In some cases, the catfish will even blackmail their victim and threaten to share the images with others. After the new Domestic Abuse bill was enacted on 29th June 2021, this is now a legal offence in the UK. As is “revenge porn” where the perpetrator shares private sexual photos or videos without consent to cause distress or damage a person’s reputation.
Gaining money fraudulently
Catfishing is also used for fraudulent reasons, such as obtaining money from a victim through deception. For instance, they may build up trust then ask to borrow money to help a friend or to finance a face-to-face meetup. According to a survey by Which?, this is an increasingly common scam, with 2 in 5 dating site users reportedly being asked for money by people they’ve never met.
If you do fall victim to this type of online scam, you can take your catfish to court as they have exploited your relationship for money. These kinds of cases fall under the Fraud Act 2006, meaning it is illegal to catfish someone in this way. This Act includes several provisions that apply to criminals who assume a false identity to commit fraud.
Harassment or misuse of private information
But what if you haven’t been blackmailed, nor swindled into giving money to your catfish? Is catfishing illegal in any other scenario? Don’t despair. You can still take your catfish to court under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. You can also bring a civil case against them for misuse of your private information and breach of privacy if you unwittingly gave private information to someone posing as another.
Thanks to the new data protection regulations, you can also sue them for infringement of your personal data rights. By bringing all these civil wrongdoings to court at the same time, you’ll be more likely to receive an award of damages as the injured party.
Signs you may be being catfished
Concerned you may be being catfished? Here are some red flags to watch out for and some things to avoid unless you’re 100% sure the person is who they say they are:
- Someone you don’t know starts sending you flirty messages out of the blue
- Their profile looks too good to be true or has very few images, friends or posts
- They refuse to send you more photos of themselves or to video chat with you
- They tell you they love you early in the relationship and ask for explicit images
- They try to convince you to send money – often backed by an elaborate story
- When you search their name in Google, someone else’s photos come up
If in doubt, try a Google reverse image search to find any online profiles connected to the images they’ve listed. You should also never send money or content of a sexual nature to someone you don’t know. And finally, trust your judgement. If things don’t feel quite right, they probably aren’t. Cease contact and block them immediately.
Helping you reveal the truth
Is catfishing illegal in the UK? Not yet, but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. If you have reason to suspect that you’re a catfishing victim, contact us immediately. At M19, our experienced catfish investigators will help you to compile evidence so you can take your catfish to court. To discuss your situation, get in touch today on 0161 706 0057 or message us at info@m19solutions.co.uk
