Social media catfishing is a growing problem, with many people falling victim to online romance scams. In this blog post, we will look at some of the statistics and information about social media catfishing that are available from various sources. We’ll discuss how much money victims lose on average, which gender is most likely to be targeted by scammers, where these scams originate from and more. Additionally, we’ll provide links to reputable sources so you can find up-to-date information for yourself.
Social Media Catfish Statistics Overview
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) logged over 15,000 romance scam complaints in 2019, with reported losses exceeding $230 million.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the devastating effects of social media catfishing. It highlights the sheer number of people who have been taken advantage of by scammers, as well as the amount of money that has been lost as a result. It serves as a warning to be vigilant when engaging with people online, and to be aware of the potential risks of social media catfishing.
In 2018, 63% of romance scams originated on dating sites, while only 3.5% occurred on social media.
This statistic is a powerful reminder of the importance of being aware of the potential for catfishing on dating sites. It highlights the need to be vigilant when engaging with people online, as the majority of romance scams originate from dating sites rather than social media. It also serves as a warning to be wary of any requests for money or personal information, as these are common tactics used by catfishers.
The number of reported romance scams in the US increased by almost 6 times from 2014 to 2019.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the dangers of social media catfishing. It shows that the number of people falling victim to romance scams has skyrocketed in recent years, highlighting the need for greater awareness and vigilance when it comes to online relationships.
In a study conducted by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), Australians lost more than $28.6 million (AUD) to romance scams in 2019.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the devastating effects of social media catfishing. It highlights the financial losses that Australians have suffered as a result of being deceived by romance scammers on social media platforms. It serves as a warning to all users of social media to be vigilant and to be aware of the potential risks of being catfished.
Conclusion
It is clear from the statistics and information provided that social media catfishing is a serious problem, with victims losing millions of dollars each year. While it can be difficult to stay up-to-date on current trends in this area, there are many reputable sources available for those who wish to learn more about online romance scams. By being aware of the risks associated with social media catfishing and taking steps to protect yourself, you can help reduce your chances of becoming a victim.
References
0. – https://www.accc.gov.au
1. – https://www.ic3.gov
2. – https://www.ftc.gov
ZipDo, cited June 2023: Social Media Catfish Statistics
