(Credit - X/@Netflix)
Netflix’s trending documentary “Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare” deals about the impact of catfishing scheme on London resident Kirat Assi, who was duped by her cousin.
Kirat Assi shared her experience for the first time in a popular podcast by Tortoise in 2021. However, catfishing scheme gained a renewed attention with the release of Netflix documentary “Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare”. In this article, we will discuss about Assi’s real life trauma, catfishing, ways to spot and prevent it.
The London resident and radio presenter, Kirat Assi started thinking about that romantic space in life that she was hoping for years as soon as virtually meeting the person named ‘Bobby’. After receiving the friend request from ‘supposed’ cardiologist from west London in 2009, Assi began a long-distance relationship. Above all, both were from Indian Sikh community, which made the relationship ‘seem’ authentic. The conversations intensified despite being virtual. Even after many requests, Bobby avoided meeting with Assi showing bizarre reasons.
A decade of catfishing, deceit, and a fairytale romance gone wrong.
— Netflix (@netflix) September 24, 2024
Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare premieres October 16. pic.twitter.com/Zr9AtB7zSw
(Credit - X/@netflix)
After 9 long years of texting, when Assi met the person in real life, it turned into the shocking twist of her life. Assi came to know that the entire long-distance ‘relationship’ is a hoax or emotional manipulation, orchestrated by her cousin named Simran. “The relationship had been an elaborate catfishing scheme,” as mentioned in the recently released Netflix documentary.
When a person takes information and even images from other people, and later uses them to develop a completely new identity for themselves, is known as Catfishing. From date of birth to geographical location, sometimes, a catfisher steals another person's complete identity to trick others. It has been very common in online dating websites.
The term ‘catfish’ became famous after a 2010 documentary of the same name. Later, MTV launched a TV series named ‘Catfish’ in 2012.
Following are some red flags you should be aware of.
Check the Authenticity of the Image: Conduct an image search of the person you got connected recently over social media. Any photos shared show up for another person with a different name, they are likely using a fake profile.
Check the Posts/Friends: A hidden or low friend count, very few posts and photos, not being tagged by anyone on social media are the signs of catfishing. Check the name on different socially media like Instagram, LinkedIn, X (previously Twitter) to confirm the person’s authenticity.
Too Good to be True: If someone randomly sends connection request and repeatedly claim to be someone famous or the dream partner you wished for, take a break, it might be an attempt by Catfishers.
The Person Knows so much about You: It sometimes feel awkward when some random people knows a lot about you. Catfishers often conduct a good amount of research before trapping. They check your digital footprint like favourite places, foods, likes and dislikes. Human psychology is hard to understand, if we found someone with similar choices, we tend to extend conversations.
Love Bombing: When a stranger or recently met person express love almost directly and keeps on praising you, stay alert, you might become a victim of catfishing.
Asking for Sharing Personal Secrets: People only open up about their secrets to a few selected friends. However, when a stranger asks you some uncomfortable questions that might reveal your secrets or personal information, it's a big red flag.
Absurd Excuses to Avoid Physical Meeting or Showing Face Online: Just like Assi, you might have faced some absurd excuses to avoid meeting in public place or not showing face on video call. If yes, slow down the conversation, evaluate and trust your instincts.
Always track your privacy settings and check who can see or comment on your posts. Upgrade your privacy settings on social media to manage your digital presence. After couple of days of chatting, some catfishers ask money showing emergency situations. You can avoid being a victim of catfishing by analyzing the warning signs.
While retelling this story of betrayal, Assi shared: “For people who might still think I'm stupid, that's fine, you're allowed your opinion. I'm not stupid, I'm not dumb. I'm the one that's chosen to speak. I'm the one that's put myself out in the firing line and I hope others will come forward.”
Remember, catfishing is a form of cyberbullying as the target is harmed mentally. As per recent reports, Catfishers tend to target them who are lonely or have expressed the need for a relationship, be it online or offline. Stay protected from scammers in this digital era.
