More Than Just a “Bad” Online Experience: Risk Factors and Characteristics of Catfishing Fraud Victimization
Snyder, Jamie A. ; Golladay, Katelyn (2024) — Deviant Behavior
Type:
Journal Article
Country:
United States
Synopsis (AI-Generated)
This study examines the relatively underexplored area of catfishing victimization—cases where individuals are deceived online but not necessarily defrauded financially. Using survey data from 1,511 social media and dating app users, the research analyzes patterns of deception and risk factors that increase susceptibility to catfishing. Findings show that 44% of respondents had been catfished in the past five years, highlighting the prevalence of this form of online deception. Common characteristics of catfishing cases included: The catfish initiating first contact. A short communication duration before deception became apparent. Requests for money, even if not always successful. The study applies the lifestyles/routine activities theory (LRAT) and self-control theory to assess risk factors. Both online behaviors (such as app usage habits and engagement with strangers) and offline behaviors (including social routines and personal choices) were found to shape vulnerability. These results suggest that LRAT, traditionally applied to offline victimization, is also effective for explaining catfishing risk in digital contexts. The article concludes with policy and prevention implications, recommending awareness campaigns and risk-mitigation strategies tailored to online dating and social media users. By identifying behavioral risk markers and highlighting the role of self-control, the study provides insights for both individuals and platforms to reduce catfishing victimization.
Identified Gaps (AI-Generated)
Research specifically examining catfishing victims, including non-monetary and platonic deception, is scarce. Before this study, no published research was located on online activities or self-control in relation to catfishing risk. The study also identifies limited understanding of victim self-identification, reporting barriers, consequences, and repeat catfishing.
Methods (AI-Generated)
The authors conducted a cross-sectional self-report Qualtrics survey recruited through CloudResearch Connect. The final sample comprised 1,511 English-speaking US citizens aged 18 or older who had social-media accounts, used dating applications, and had an online relationship within five years. Behavioral wording measured catfishing. Bivariate correlations, logistic regression, OLS regression, and mediation tests assessed online/offline routines, self-control, demographics, prior victimization, and catfishing.
Limitations (AI-Generated)
Cross-sectional data cannot establish causal ordering, including whether hacking preceded catfishing. The sample was limited to recent online-relationship participants who had used dating applications, limiting generalizability to all social-media users. A five-year reference period may produce recall bias. People with negative online experiences may have self-selected into the survey, potentially inflating prevalence estimates. Other relevant risk factors were not measured.
Future Work (AI-Generated)
Use longitudinal designs to establish whether risk behaviors occur before or after catfishing. Study broader online-platform users, additional risk factors, alternative recall periods, victim self-identification and reporting, consequences of catfishing, and repeat victimization.
AI-Generated Content Notice
The synopsis and research notes on this page were generated with AI from available publication information and, when available, the uploaded paper text. They may contain errors, omissions, or interpretation issues. Readers should follow the DOI or source link, review the original publication, and make their own judgment about the content.
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