#catfishing

BELOW: Dr. Phil vs. catfish. Watch how it's done.

Do you get calls pressing you for free money? Don't fall for catfish games! Block iffy phone numbers, or use an answering machine. If someone or something is too good to be true, don't pay or send money! Catfishing is a cruel, nasty "love scam" where callers prey on lonely women and men. It's fraud. Pass it on to others.

Dr. Phil (Phillip McGraw) no longer does a talk show; He has a podcast, "Phil in the Blanks." Contact him: @DrPhilPodcast

In the 1910s-1920s, women like these took to the streets to get the right to vote. They risked jail, floggings, commitment to insane asylums, catcalls, gossip and worse. They were not behaving like "ladies," and not one of them had a cell phone. They succeeded! It's 2026, and women can vote.

Catfish often say, "Ladeeeeze" — even if they called a man. 🧐 ❓⁉️ ☎️ <- "Buh-bye!"

Yes, you can stand up to catfish calling you on the phone. They want your money? So do you. Block that phone number!

I (20F) met him (29M) online and he asked to see my face immediately and I complied. I asked to see him but he refuses to show me, saying that it's better to experience it in-person. I have asked repeatedly but he always says no. We have plans to meet in public weeks from now, but I'm wondering if he has something to hide. He has a decent personality but every time I bring up his appearance, he seems to freeze up. He gave me a short description of what he looks like but no picture! He said he met his last girlfriend online too and did a face reveal in-person, and they lasted 3 years. So I assumed that this was just his idiosyncracy. But I just found it bizarre that he is willing to spend hours VCing with me, playing games, and telling me about his day without asking to video call or show himself. EDIT: I have his phone number and I searched it up, and his legal name and age is what he says it is. Sorry, should've included earlier. Everything seems to check out except he just doesn't show face.

Block him. Best case scenario, he's catfishing you. Worst case, he's got even worse intentions, either scamming or violence. Don't waste your precious time with creepy liars who won't be honest or transparent with you. Like really, the fact that he asked knowing HE was going to refuse should have been an immediately off-putting deal breaker.