How to Check if Someone Is Catfishing You
Step-by-step guide to detecting catfish profiles on dating apps. Use reverse face search to verify if someone's photos are real or stolen.
Last updated: June 2026 · 5 min read
Catfishing costs victims billions annually. If someone you met online seems too good to be true, a quick reverse face search can reveal whether their photos are stolen, if they appear under different names on other platforms, or if they're a known scammer.
Step-by-Step Guide
Screenshot their profile photo
Save or screenshot the person's profile photo from the dating app, social media, or messaging platform. Multiple photos are even better.
Open Sherly and upload the screenshot
Launch Sherly and tap 'Photo Library' to upload the screenshot. The AI will automatically detect and crop the face from the image.
Analyze the results
Look at where the face appears online. If the same face shows up under a different name, on stock photo sites, or on scam warning databases — it's likely a catfish.
Check for red flags
Multiple identities, stolen model photos, appearances on romance scam lists, or profiles across many dating sites under different names are all major warning signs.
Verify with a video call
If the search results are inconclusive, ask for a live video call. Catfishers will always find excuses to avoid showing their face in real time.
Try Sherly Free — No Account Needed
Available on iOS and Android. Start searching in seconds.
Pro Tips
- Scammers often use photos of models, influencers, or military personnel
- If they refuse to video chat, that's a major red flag
- Check if the same photo appears on multiple dating sites under different names
- Search multiple photos — if they only have 2-3 photos, be suspicious
- Trust your instincts — if it feels too good to be true, verify