Catfishing involves using another person's photos, often taken from social media, to create a false identity. Perpetrators may use your images for romantic deception, financial fraud, or harassment. When the images used are intimate or when the catfisher shares intimate content alongside your photos, serious implications arise.

Even when the images used for catfishing are not intimate, you have rights. Most US states recognize impersonation statutes and identity theft laws that cover the unauthorized use of your likeness to deceive others. Defamation claims may also be available if the catfisher has made false statements while pretending to be you.

ScanErase's biometric scanning can identify where your photos are being used across the indexed web, including on dating platforms, social networks, and forums where catfishing commonly occurs. This gives you a full picture of where your likeness is being misused before you decide how to proceed.

What to do right now

  1. Run a biometric scan to locate misuseScanErase identifies every platform where your face appears, including profiles that are impersonating you.
  2. Find where your photos are being usedScanErase provides your exposure report including potentially harmful content.
  3. Use your report to actYou can contact platforms directly to report impersonation or seek support.
  4. File a report with the FTCThe FTC handles identity theft complaints. ReportFraud.ftc.gov accepts reports of impersonation fraud.
  5. Consider civil action for damagesImpersonation and defamation claims may be available depending on what the catfisher said while pretending to be you.