Phishing and catfishing are two distinct types of online scams. With phishing a cybercriminal poses as a legitimate entity or organization, such as a bank or government agency, and tries to obtain sensitive information from the victim. The type of information they collect includes personal information such as passwords and credit card numbers. Phishing attacks frequently take the form of emails or websites that appear to be authentic but are not.
On the other hand, catfishing is a type of online deceit that involves the establishment of a fictitious internet profile in order to fool or manipulate someone into believing they are conversing with a genuine person. The person behind the bogus profile is actively engaging with the victim, frequently in a romantic or emotional context. Catfishing can be used to obtain money or personal information, or it can simply be used to deceive and manipulate the victim for personal advantage.
I’ve been a target of both. Fortunately, I’m savvy enough to recognize these vailed attempts to be my friend. Most of the phishing expedition attempts have come through my Facebook account. I’ve received messages from people who want to be “my friend”. The thing is, I’m already friends with most of them, or I recognize that we’re too far removed from truly being friends. My own Facebook account has been hacked a couple of times and I’ve had to change my passwords. Many attempts come through the “messenger” side of the site.
I must admit that I’ve succumbed on a couple of occasions. Both times I received flashing lights and ominous warnings of impending doom. “DON’T TURN OFF YOUR COMPUTER OR ALL OF YOUR PASSWORDS, BANK ACOUNT NUMBERS, BROKERAGE ACCOUNTS, STOCK OPTIONS, SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, EMAIL ADDRESSES, FACEBOOK FRIENDS, FAMILY PHOTOS AND CHRISTMAS ACOUNT CONNECTIONS WILL BE LOST FOREVER!!!!!!!!”
I have an agreement with the boys on the Geek Squad and turned it off anyway. I called “my boys” and they took control of my computer and saved my bacon as well as all of my passwords, bank account numbers, social security number, brokerage accounts, stock options, email addresses, Facebook friends, family photos and Christmas account connections.
Catfishing is a whole ‘nother story. Since I joined a dating site, catfishing attempts have been made at least five times. Three of them were caught immediately by the dating site police, but two were identified by me, and I turned the culprits in. There are quite a few sites offering to help connect with other singles. The methodology is the same no matter where you enroll.
You’re asked to set up a profile. You answer a series of questions designed to provide insight into what makes you tick. Are you an introvert or extrovert, leader or follower, easy-going-fun-loving or locked into your own ways? You’re asked if you are looking for a male or female and other things like hobbies, how far you’re willing to travel, religious preferences, ethnicity, age restrictions, your height, and build. Some sites require a picture while others allow for pictureless searches.
They’ve got fancy names like my time, our time, your time, next time, any time, all the time, and any which way but loose. Some use provocative words like mingle, mature, harmony, elite, or hey guy what’s cookin. You can even sign up for a Latvian, Bolivian, or Columbian specific site. The list seems endless and once you opt in on one, you get offers from others. Some allow you to “browse” for free. Holy catfish! That’s a deal.
A couple of my catfishing contacts have asked for my email address and telephone number. They’ve provided theirs as a sign of good faith. They’ve offered to send nude pictures of themselves and asked for mine. Sort of a “I’ll show you mine if you show me yours” deal. The main thing I’ve learned is I need to talk to someone to get to know them. You can read all you want, but I’ve found a face-to-face conversation is best for me. I get to know you better that way.
When I shared the news that I’d signed up on a dating site, as well as the local chapter of the Single Baby Boomers Club, my son, Michael said, “Dad, you’ve joined a cult.”
The truth of the matter is most of the people on these sites are looking for help. Most members have lost someone, or never had someone, and want to start a new chapter. Maybe a whole new book. We recognize that our future chapters won’t be as long as our past. We want the pages we have left to be filled with great memories full of rich experiences. Some, like one of my friends, Dave, will be able to say, “I’ve had two great women in my life”.
As for me, I’ve just stuck my toe in the water, and so far, the water’s fine.