Catfishing is one of the most pervasive cybercrimes. That’s surprising, considering how casually it’s often treated.
In catfishing, an individual assumes an identity that’s not their own with a view to deceiving other online users.
Studies have uncovered various motivations behind catfishing. While some people will hide behind fake profiles merely to troll other online users, others seek to extort money or gain other favors from innocent love-seeking individuals. Protecting yourself from these characters is the surest way to safeguard your money and reputation.
Many polygraph advocates contend that administering lie detector tests might protect you from catfish and fraudulent marriage partners. But how credible are these assertions?
Read below to find out.
How to Catch a Catfish
There should be reasonable suspicion before requesting a potential catfish to take a lie detector test. Therefore, you must understand the tell-tale signs that you’re being catfished.
Most catfish are known to demand money. But before they get to the solicitation part, they will attempt to win your heart over by showering you with sweet nothings.
A catfish will say “I Love You” unusually early into a relationship. This typically happens even before you’ve had a chance to know them better, which is precisely their intention.
A catfish will keep downplaying your requests for a physical meet-up. They won’t consent to video calls either, as that will unmask their identity and expose them to more intense scrutiny.
Other signs you’re being catfished include;
- The individual requests that you keep the relationship personal
- They give superficial information about their past life
- They want you to move to other questionable digital communication platforms
- Glaring inconsistencies in their stories
- Inability to trace them on any other online platform
Spotting a Fraudulent Relationship
Romantic frauds are not confined to the shadowy alleys of the internet. Many people have walked down the aisle with the wrong partners, only to discover they’ve been living a lie when the scam has already drained them.
But thanks to polygraphs, both partners can submit to periodic testing and uncover early evidence of deception before things get out of hand.
During a lie detector test, a qualified polygraph examiner will frame questions that address the following critical issues:
- Whether the examinee has a genuine emotional interest in the relationship, or if financial gain is their primary motivation
(e.g., Are they relying on the partner for financial stability, visa sponsorship, or inheritance access?) - Past involvement in financial or relationship scams, including fraudulent marriages, online dating cons, or histories of exploiting romantic partners for money
- Undisclosed financial obligations or relationships, such as secret dependents, debts, or financial ties to other individuals that could impact the current relationship
- Intentions regarding shared financial responsibilities, like whether they are willing to combine finances, contribute equally, or are hiding income/assets
How to Polygraph a Fraudulent Marriage Partner?
If you’ve harbored persistent doubts about the credibility of your current marriage partner, requesting a polygraph test can help address your suspicions. Politely ask your spouse to submit to a lie detector test and observe their reactions.
Many relationship scammers will instantly object to the idea of getting polygraphed, while some will consent with the hope of beating a lie detector evaluation. Either way, insist on getting the test done.
Agree on a date and enlist the services of a certified polygraph examiner.
On D-Day, the examiner will ask a series of questions to test for infidelity. Some model queries include:
- Are you in this relationship primarily for financial gain?
- Have you ever lied about your financial status or debt to your current partner?
- Do you have any undisclosed financial arrangements with third parties that involve this relationship?
- Have you ever withheld your real income or financial obligations from your current partner?
Other sets of polygraph questions may seek to uncover the examiner’s family background, educational qualifications, and criminal history.
Addressing the Challenges in Polygraphing Catfish
While it’s relatively easy to get a marriage partner to submit to a polygraph test, we cannot say the same about romantic scammers like catfish. That’s because these individuals will attempt everything to avoid physical contact.
If you press hard enough, a catfish may consent to some form of remote lie detector testing. Unfortunately, the current polygraph machine relies on physiological responses that can only be measured during in-person tests.
The fact that catfishes will instantly turn down requests for video chats implies that even contactless testing alternatives may not be reliable. Your best bet is to end the relationship.
Stopping a Catfish in the Tracks With Polygraph Tests
Being catfished can have severe implications on your finances, reputation, and emotional health. The impact is more severe if the catfish chooses to exploit your genuine quest for true love for their selfish gains.
Fortunately, you can stop a catfish in their tracks by requesting a lie detector test. The mere thought of being polygraphed will be sufficient deterrence for these fraudsters.
If you suspect you’re already in a fraudulent relationship, talking your partner into a lie detector test can help allay your suspicions. A qualified polygrapher will question your spouse on several relationship topics to establish if they’re genuine or not.
