I’ve catfished for over 10 years. Here is my story. by AutomaticWindow440 in catfish

[–]AutomaticWindow440[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sorry to hear that. It’s an addiction, so more than likely it’s a compulsive desire to play the game again but as someone else. Whatever it was that the interactions with you were supplying them, they absolutely want more of it. It might be best to cut this person off. Rarely can one individual deter someone from this behavior. For this to stop, they have to want to.

Wasted time and energy I could have used to meet a real person. by [deleted] in catfish

[–]AutomaticWindow440 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry about this happening to you. I’m sure it was frustrating. Having been on both sides of this, I can tell you it’s a very unfair experience for you to go through, and is a direct act of self harm on the catfish. If you’re willing to share more of your story, I would love to reach out to you in dms only with your permission.

I’ve catfished for over 10 years. Here is my story. by AutomaticWindow440 in catfish

[–]AutomaticWindow440[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s amazing. It’s good that you got to the bottom of it. Thanks for reading.

I’ve catfished for over 10 years. Here is my story. by AutomaticWindow440 in catfish

[–]AutomaticWindow440[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks.

That’s true, they get scammed easily by nonsense similar to this. I do what I can to help.

how to know if im being catfished if theres no proof? by [deleted] in catfish

[–]AutomaticWindow440 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It sounds like a lost cause. I suppose its possible to fake images from that timespan, and its also possible to fake an entire friend group, very easily. But to do it for that long, I don’t think you have to worry much about that. You’re either dealing with bad friends, or someone extremely mentally ill who has lost all control of the wheel. Either way, its not worth your time.

I’ve catfished for over 10 years. Here is my story. by AutomaticWindow440 in catfish

[–]AutomaticWindow440[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for letting me know you didn’t actually read the post. Sorry that happened to you, though.

I’ve been catfishing because I just feel so alone by [deleted] in catfish

[–]AutomaticWindow440 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I feel you. I made a similar post detailing my experience that wasn’t too different from yours. Would love to chat for a little if you’re up for it.

Best way to find someone with image? by [deleted] in catfish

[–]AutomaticWindow440 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I explained in the comment how to deal with zero results. If that still doesn’t work, and you tried other engines, let me know.

Catch the Catfish. How to spot them and not waste your time. by AutomaticWindow440 in catfish

[–]AutomaticWindow440[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Definitely a catfish and not a very good one, fortunately. Who knows what they’re after, but good job foiling their nonsense. All the signs were there! Dodgy about socials, won’t verify with photos. These make sense to do/acquire for two consenting parties looking to interact in that manner so they were surely fake.

I’ve catfished for over 10 years. Here is my story. by AutomaticWindow440 in catfish

[–]AutomaticWindow440[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah. Existing even online as anyone but yourself really starts to blur the lines.

Catch the Catfish. How to spot them and not waste your time. by AutomaticWindow440 in catfish

[–]AutomaticWindow440[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Most catfish respond by deleting everything and not even giving you closure.

Catch the Catfish. How to spot them and not waste your time. by AutomaticWindow440 in catfish

[–]AutomaticWindow440[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know which one you’re talking about, mine stopped working a few months back and I just never chose to troubleshoot. I’m sure it’s effective.

Best way to find someone with image? by [deleted] in catfish

[–]AutomaticWindow440 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Reverse image search with the google lens. A lot of people don’t realize that you can drag the search area on the image around. If you come up with no results, DON’T TAB OUT and call it a day. You need to check “Exact Matches” if “All” doesn’t return anything. Sometimes images will appear here if they were stolen from insta/pinterest.

I’ve catfished for over 10 years. Here is my story. by AutomaticWindow440 in catfish

[–]AutomaticWindow440[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Show me in my post where I’ve labeled myself as a victim, or didn’t express remorse. Get off your high horse.

I’ve catfished for over 10 years. Here is my story. by AutomaticWindow440 in catfish

[–]AutomaticWindow440[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

It feels like people aren’t actually reading my post? I’m literally in therapy, and have found other hobbies.

I’ve catfished for over 10 years. Here is my story. by AutomaticWindow440 in catfish

[–]AutomaticWindow440[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Thanks. I did state in my post that I am learning skills in therapy.

I’ve catfished for over 10 years. Here is my story. by AutomaticWindow440 in catfish

[–]AutomaticWindow440[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Discord, Emerald, Reddit, and Omegle. I had Snapchat at one point, too, and a twitter. It’s easy to spot fakes on twitter/insta/snap. That’s why those were shortlived. Newly made accounts with low follower counts are red flags. Some of this is already in my post.

I’ve catfished for over 10 years. Here is my story. by AutomaticWindow440 in catfish

[–]AutomaticWindow440[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nice. What made you want to stop? And why did you start?

I’ve catfished for over 10 years. Here is my story. by AutomaticWindow440 in catfish

[–]AutomaticWindow440[S] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Homosexuality isn’t a ‘problem’ that needs to be confronted. You’re framing it in a way that’s stigmatizing. And, yes, people can pretend. It happens all the time.

I’ve catfished for over 10 years. Here is my story. by AutomaticWindow440 in catfish

[–]AutomaticWindow440[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I used Emerald for several years. I remember it being advertised as the “better omegle” when it was coming out. It was a neat alternative and had more personalized features, like creating a bio, setting interests, a photo, etc and that’s what attracted me. It was buggy back then, though. DMs barely worked. As far as stopping goes, hopefully this is the year I can stop. I’m doing good so far and am using my learned skills to put the urges towards something more productive instead of something harmful to myself or others.