NewsLocal NewsWater Cooler

Actions

Arizona rates 11th highest for catfish victims

Posted
and last updated

PHOENIX On a list of states with the highest catfishing rate, Arizona takes eleventh place. And no, we are not talking about actual fish. 

A catfish is someone who lies about their identity and seeks out a cyber romance with an unsuspecting victim. In many cases, they try to gain money or simply a romantic connection. 

According to an FBI report done in 2018, here are the top states where catfishing (or confidence fraud/romance) is most reported. 

California: 2105

Texas: 1238

Florida: 1191

New York: 782

Pennsylvania: 577

Washington: 493

Virginia: 480

Michigan: 481

Illinois: 433

North Carolina: 432

Arizona: 429

Ohio: 424

Wisconsin: 391

Colorado: 376

Georgia: 361

Not all catfishing is reported, so this list might brush the surface. However, if you live in any of these places, be careful who you speak to online. 

Always meet someone in person and verify their identity before pursuing any kind of serious relationship with them. Be safe! It is a dangerous dating world out there.