Catfishing Is Still on the Rise—And MTV Warned Us Years Ago

I’ll admit it: I was a huge fan of MTV’s Catfish. There was something fascinating, emotional, and sometimes heartbreaking about watching people discover whether the person they had fallen for online was really who they claimed to be. But as entertaining as the show was, it also highlighted a very real problem: catfishing can happen to anyone.

Despite years of warnings from the FTC, high-profile scam cases, and even MTV’s Catfish bringing awareness to fake online relationships, catfishing and romance scams continue to rise.

As someone who was a fan of MTV’s Catfish, I always thought the show was fascinating — watching people uncover the truth behind online relationships felt dramatic but distant. But over time, it became clear that the situations featured on the show were far more common than many people realized. 

Today, the numbers show just how widespread the problem has become.

According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), nearly 18,000 Americans reported romance or confidence scams in 2023, with victims losing more than $650 million. In 2024, reported losses climbed even higher, surpassing $672 million nationwide. These scams remain among the most financially damaging forms of online fraud.

The FBI also reports that internet crime overall continues to surge. In 2024, Americans reported more than $16 billion in losses from online scams and cybercrime — a 33% increase from the previous year. Romance scams continue to rank among the costliest forms of fraud because scammers spend weeks or months building emotional trust before asking for money.

Many victims never report what happened due to embarrassment, meaning the real numbers are likely far higher. Experts say scammers are becoming more sophisticated, using social media, dating apps, stolen photos, fake careers, and even AI-generated messages to appear convincing.So how do you know whether you’re being catfished?

A major warning sign is when someone asks for money, especially if you have never met them in person. Another red flag is when they constantly avoid meeting face-to-face, often using last-minute emergencies as excuses. Some catfishers claim they are stationed overseas, working on an oil rig, or otherwise unable to meet. Refusing to video chat is another common sign. And finally, trust your instincts: if someone seems too good to be true, they might be.

The best way to protect yourself is to verify who you’re talking to before sharing personal information, sending money, or agreeing to meet in person. A quick search on Google, reverse image searches, and identity-checking resources like SocialCatfish.com can help you spot warning signs early.

MTV’s Catfish made for great television, but the issue behind the show is very real. Online connections can be meaningful, but they should also be approached with caution. Before you fall too hard for someone you’ve never met, take the time to make sure they are who they say they are.