an individual (real or fake) who uses the
Internet, and in particular, online dating websites to lure
people into a scam romance. The general goal of a catfisher is financial gain by developing an online relationship with another person and ultimately asking for money. Besides financial gain, catfishers are sometimes
people who prey on others and gain pleasure from online communications and manipulation. You also might hear the terms catfish or catfishing. Catfishing targets both men and women.