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The Trace Team

We all are familiar with the catfish, a fresh water fish with characteristic whisker-like barbels protruding from its upper jaw. They are often called bullheads or mud cats, because of their habit of scouring the bottom of ponds and creeks for food. Historically, if we said we were going catfishing, we were heading to a favorite fishing spot and family and friends knew what we meant. These days, the term can mean something quite different, and with a much darker meaning.

A 2010 documentary titled "Catfish" exposed social media and internet sites where an individual sets up a false profile for fraudulent or deceptive purposes. In the film the husband of a victim suggested the term "catfishing" to describe the practice because of how catfish were once used when shipping codfish from Alaska to China. By the time they reached port the flesh of the codfish had become soft and tasteless due to inactivity in the storage vats. Catfish were introduced into the vats with the codfish to keep them moving, to keep them agile and alert, or they would become food for the catfish. If you use a social media account or an online dating site to meet someone or to engage in any financial or other transaction, you need to stay agile and alert, or this new kind of "catfish" will eat you, starting with your pocketbook. Even clicking a "Like" button or accepting a "Friend" request can lead to an undesirable alliance or association if you're not sure who or what is behind that click.

The risks and indicators associated with "catfishing" have been written about numerous times in recent years and, in addition to the documentary, a TV show has profiled the practice and its dangers. What is less known is how to launch an investigation to determine the identity of a person or entity when suspicions arise. Finding answers is not easy and can easily end in frustration, with the "catfish" still not identified. It's easy to hide on the internet. However, there are tools available to private investigators for social media investigations, which will cover multiple social media and internet platforms. Geographic metadata can be identified and time stamp data can be used to pinpoint a sender's location. There's no guarantee a social media investigation will positively identify a fraudster, but it will most likely confirm whether or not you are dealing with a real person or entity. Then it's probably time for a due diligence investigation.

If you need assistance for a "catfishing" investigation, don't hesitate to call Trace Investigations at 800-310-8857. 

Closely associated with the catfish scam is the romance scam found on social media and internet sites. However, the romance scam is much more insidious. The romance scammer has one specific purpose in mind, to take money from a targeted victim, who is usually someone at an emotional crossroads in his or her life, looking to make an intimate and loving connection with someone. In her book, "Who is the Real Man Behind the Screen?," Diana Garren documents her own personal investigation into the romance scam, after becoming a victim herself. Published in 2014 and subtitled "Online Dating: How to Protect Your Heart and Money," the book is as relevant today, as is witnessed by Diana's numerous appearances informing audiences about the scam. The romance scam is not going away in the age of social media and runaway digital dating, but, thanks to Diana and others who have rallied to her cause, there are fewer victims. Trace Investigations first became familiar with Diana as a branding and marketing consultant and we credit her with enhancing our internet presence. When Diana asked Trace Investigations owner and founder, Don C. Johnson CLI, to write a review for the book's jacket, here's what he said: