| Abstract |
Research focusing specifically on people who have been catfished online, or deceived in some way, but maybe not defrauded out of money is relatively scarce. The current study sought to add to the literature in this area by surveying social media and dating application users about their catfishing victimization experiences (n=1,511). Fourty-four percent had been catfished in the last 5 years. Common characteristics of those who had been catfished include the catfish reaching out first, a short duration of communication, and asking for money, among other characteristics. The lifestyles/routine activities (LRAT) framework and self-control were utilized to examine potential risk factors for catfishing victimization. Both online and offline behaviors were found to influence catfishing risk, suggesting the LRAT can be applied to this type of victimization. Implications for policy application and prevention of catfishing fraud are discussed. |
, Katelyn A. Golladay 
