EP 11 - Net of Lies, Escaping the Catfish Trap
Romance, deception, and digital danger—how a scam turned one woman’s life upside down.
Online dating is supposed to help us find love. But what if the person on the other end is a scammer? In this episode of CyberSense, we sit down with Laura, who was catfished in 2019. She shares her story—how it started, how it spiraled, and how she uncovered the truth.
We’ll break down how these scams work, the red flags to watch for, and how to stay safe while looking for love online. If you think it can’t happen to you, think again.
Let’s get into it.
A Victim’s Story
The episode features a raw and honest account from a woman who fell victim to an online catfishing scheme. Her bravery in sharing her story provides listeners with a real-world example of how these scams unfold and their emotional impact.Breaking Down the Scam
After the interview, Rob analyzes the tactics used by the catfisher, explaining:
• How the scammer gained the victim’s trust
• The red flags that were overlooked
• The psychological manipulation techniques employed
Warning Signs and Prevention
Rob offers valuable advice on how to spot potential catfishing attempts, including:
• Common characteristics of fake online profiles
• Suspicious behaviors to watch out for
• Steps to verify the identity of online contacts
How To configure your privacy settings on the major social media platforms:
One of the best things you can do as an individual is control who sees your data, below are some links that should help.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/help/325807937506242/
X: https://help.twitter.com/en/safety-and-security/how-to-make-twitter-private-and-public
YouTube: https://support.google.com/youtube/topic/2803240?hl=en&ref_topic=6151248
Instagram: https://help.instagram.com/196883487377501
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/66?lang=en
Snapchat: https://support.snapchat.com/en-GB/a/privacy-settings2
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/safety/resources/privacy-and-security?lang=en
Remember, privacy settings can change frequently. Always check the latest documentation on each platform for the most up-to-date information.
Pro Tips for Cybersecurity
1. Regular Audits: Set reminders to review your privacy settings across all platforms.
2. Think Before You Share: Once it’s out there, it’s hard to take back.
3. Strong Passwords: Use unique, complex passwords for each account.
4. Two-Factor Authentication: Enable this wherever possible for an extra layer of security.
5. Be Wary of Third-Party Apps: They may have access to your data.
By taking control of your privacy settings, you’re not just protecting your data – you’re safeguarding your digital identity. Stay vigilant, stay secure!
Help if you are in a abusive relationship. https://www.womensaid.ie/get-help/support-services/
