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.
