Catfish & scammers

Catfishing is when someone pretends to be someone they’re not by using social media to create a false identity, usually to defraud or scam someone else. This may include using a profile picture they stole from someone else to appear more attractive to the target. Using this fake identity, they look to trick a person into believing they are in an online romance for example, before using this scenario to take advantage of them.

Watch the video below to learn more about the importance of online safety. Replace first video below with animated clip.

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What elements of this scenario do you consider red flags?

• Over the top expressions of love
• Preoccupied with Liam
• Unexplained new found confidence
• Lack of interest in other friends

Knowing what you know, how would you approach Cassie about Liam?

• Liam sounds interesting. Tell me a bit more about him and what you like about him? Getting Cassie to open up
• Can we have a look at Liam’s facebook account together so I can learn a little more about him? Explore his profile for red flags
• Have you been on a video call together? Reluctance to video call can be a sign they do not want to be identified.
• Does he know any of your friends? Look for links to real people
• Is he popular? Let’s have a look at his followers! Look for legitimacy and real world connections.
• Have you heard about a reverse image search? I heard it’s a cool trick to use when you meet people online? Use a reverse image search to see what comes up on a profile picture or if he has been reported.

When faced with resistance from young people

• Try to stay calm yourself and avoid getting angry or critical
• Tell them while you respect they may want independence and privacy, you also need to keep them safe and that is important as well
• Reassure your child they are not in trouble
• Ask your child what they think would be the best solution for you both to find a middle ground between fun and safety.
• Support them by showing them how to collect evidence online if necessary
• Show them how to take action to remove content
• Report this Image Based Abuse to eSafety and or the police

Follow up conversation

Explain that it can be hard to spot a stranger online. To help us figure out who is and isn’t a stranger online, sometimes it helps to use the three question rule.

• Do you know their FIRST & LAST name?
• Have you met in REAL LIFE?
• Do your PARENTS know them?

If you can’t answer yes to all three of the following questions when you meet another person in a game or on social media, then that person is probably a stranger, and you need to check with you or another trusted adult before talking to them.