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How to End a Catfish Relationship Download ArticleExplore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Confirm that your partner is a catfish. 2 Confront them to break things off directly. 3 Break the news to the catfisher’s other contacts. 4 Block their phone number and social media accounts. 5 Block and report their dating profile. 6 Switch to a different email address. 7 Report the catfisher to the authorities. 8 Delete your online dating profiles. 9 Go easy on yourself. 10 Practice self-care. 11 Confide in your friends and loved ones. 12 Visit a therapist if you’re struggling. + Show 9 more... - Show less... Other Sections Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Co-authored by Lisa Shield and Janice Tieperman
Last Updated: May 4, 2023 References
Download Article X
This article was co-authored by Lisa Shield and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Lisa Shield is a love and relationship expert based in Los Angeles. She has a Master's degree in Spiritual Psychology and is a certified life and relationship coach with over 17 years of experience. Lisa has been featured in The Huffington Post, Buzzfeed, LA Times, and Cosmopolitan. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 31,144 times.
Is your significant other not who they claim to be online? Getting into a catfish relationship can be an incredibly violating and traumatizing experience, but you don’t have to deal with this person’s deceitful ruse any longer. We’ve created an in-depth guide to help you cut ties with this toxic individual, so you can focus on healing and recovering from this hurtful relationship.
Steps
1
Confirm that your partner is a catfish.
Download Article
Leave no room for doubt or confusion before you end the relationship. Catfishers often use the same tricks and ruses to manipulate their victims, like using fake, too-good-to-be-true pictures on their dating profiles. An image search can tell you if these pics are originals or copies from somewhere across the web.[1]XResearch source Here are a few other warning signs that your SO might be a catfish:
They want to take your relationship to the next level really quickly.[2]XResearch source
Their profile seems a little too good to be true.[3]XResearch source
They never want to video chat or meet up in person.[4]XResearch source
They don’t seem to exist online when you look them up.[5]XResearch source
They ask you to chat on a more private messaging platform, like email or WhatsApp.[6]XResearch source
They ask you to loan them money.[7]XResearch source
Advertisement 2
Confront them to break things off directly.
Download Article
Give yourself and the catfisher an opportunity for closure. Let your catfisher know what you’ve discovered, and that your relationship is over. Explain that you’re hurt and confused by their behavior, and give them a chance to be honest and drop the facade. Even if they refuse to drop the ruse, let them know that they’re out of your life.[8]XResearch source You might say:
“I reverse searched some of your profile pictures and saw that they all came from stock photo websites. I know that you’re catfishing me, and I’m breaking things off. Still, I’d appreciate an explanation as to why you lied to and deceived me for so long.”
“Cut the act, Jason—I know you’re catfishing me. This relationship is over, but I’ll give you one chance to come clean and explain yourself.”
Confronting your catfisher is a really personal decision, and you definitely don’t have to reach out if you don’t feel comfortable. Remember—they’ve already wasted enough of your time, and you don’t owe them anything!
3
Break the news to the catfisher’s other contacts.
Download Article
A quick conversation can save someone from a lot of hurt. Before blocking your catfisher on every possible platform, take a look at their friends lists and followers to see if you share any mutual contacts. It could be worth sending a quick warning message to these people to let them know that their “friend” isn’t who they say they are.[9]XResearch source
“Hey Cassie! I saw that you were following the account “itzjamie123xoxo” on Instagram. I recently discovered that they’re a catfisher, and I just wanted to give you a heads up.”
“Hi John! Sorry for the random message—I saw that you follow @katie0157543 on Twitter. I just wanted to let you know that she’s a known catfisher, and that you might want to cut ties.”
Don’t bother messaging mutual friends that you met through your catfishers. Chances are, they’re in on the scheme already.
Advertisement 4
Block their phone number and social media accounts.
Download Article
Catfishers are sneaky and may try to contact you after the fact. Think of the different ways you contacted your catfisher over the past few weeks or months. Did you just text each other, or did they add you on multiple social media and messaging platforms? Whatever the case, block the catfisher’s phone number and all of their social media profiles so they can’t get in touch with you.[10]XResearch source Here’s how you can block them on:
Facebook
Twitter
Snapchat
WhatsApp
Kik
5
Block and report their dating profile.
Download Article
This prevents any other innocent victims from getting catfished. Search in your chat history on the dating app to find the catfisher’s profile.[11]XResearch source Then, use the app’s built-in safety features to block and report the profile in question. Here’s how:
Tinder
Bumble
Once they’re discovered, a resourceful catfish might slink to the bottom of the dating tank by deleting their dating profiles immediately. If you can’t find their profile, they’ve likely taken it down already.
Advertisement 6
Switch to a different email address.
Download Article
Tie up any loose ends that could help the catfisher track you down. A lot of times, catfishers like to take their conversations to a more private platform, like email.[12]XResearch source If you and your catfisher chatted a lot via email, it might be worth making an entirely new account so they can’t contact you.
You could also block the catfisher’s email address if you don’t want to get rid of your old account. Just keep in mind that your catfisher might try to contact you via burner/alternate emails.
7
Report the catfisher to the authorities.
Download Article
Catfishing isn’t just emotionally hurtful—it’s also illegal. Catfishers often impersonate a living, unsuspecting person to make their ruse more convincing. In other cases, they’ll try to scam money from their online partner. It could be worth bringing your evidence to your local police station and seeing what the authorities say.[13]XResearch source
Going to the police is a very personal decision. Don’t feel obligated to report your experience if you don’t want to!
Advertisement 8
Delete your online dating profiles.
Download Article
Give yourself some breathing room after ending the catfish relationship. Getting catfished is a majorly hurtful and traumatic experience. Instead of jumping right back into the dating scene, give yourself some time to heal and recover from the toxic relationship by deleting your dating profiles altogether:
Tinder
Bumble
Match.com
OkCupid
Plenty of Fish
You can always delete the dating apps from your phone while still keeping your dating profile live on the site. It’s up to you!
9
Go easy on yourself.
Download Article
Remind yourself that you’re the victim and that you have nothing to be ashamed of. It’s totally normal to feel upset, angry, and/or embarrassed after discovering that you were catfished. All of your feelings are valid and understandable—just remind yourself that you aren’t stupid or naive for wanting to find love online. At the end of the day, catfishing is always the fault of the catfisher, not the innocent victim who got caught on their hook.
Advertisement 10
Practice self-care.
Download Article
Self-care gives you time to focus on your own needs after a hurtful relationship. Cook yourself a healthy meal, listen to some nice music, buy yourself something that’s been on your wish list for a while, or do some other activity that makes you feel happy and content.[14]XResearch source Self-care is a great way to remind yourself that you’re important and that your worth is not defined by anyone but yourself. You could:
Cuddle with a pet
Head out on a day or weekend trip
Go for a walk
Get a good night’s sleep[15]XResearch source
11
Confide in your friends and loved ones.
Download Article
Friends and family members can help you feel heard during this tough time. Maybe you’re feeling angry that your catfisher so blatantly violated your trust, or hurt that your ex-partner manipulated you in such a despicable way. In any case, your friends and family can provide valuable guidance and help remind you that you’re not alone.[16]X Trustworthy Source HelpGuideNonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source [17]X Expert Source Lisa ShieldDating CoachExpert Interview
Advertisement 12
Visit a therapist if you’re struggling.
Download Article
Your feelings are completely valid, and you don’t have to deal with them by yourself. There’s absolutely nothing wrong or shameful about seeing a therapist; in fact, seeing a therapist is a great way to work through your feelings and heal.[18]X Expert Source Lisa ShieldDating CoachExpert Interview A therapist can also help you:[19]XResearch source
Vent your feelings in a healthy way
Address your experiences in a safe environment
Feel comforted and heard
Gain a sense of independence and autonomy over your life
Expert Q&A
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Tips
Depending on your exact circumstances, you might be able to sue your catfisher for fraud or emotional damage. Visit a lawyer for more information on how you can press charges.[20]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
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Co-authored by: Lisa Shield Dating Coach This article was co-authored by Lisa Shield and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Lisa Shield is a love and relationship expert based in Los Angeles. She has a Master's degree in Spiritual Psychology and is a certified life and relationship coach with over 17 years of experience. Lisa has been featured in The Huffington Post, Buzzfeed, LA Times, and Cosmopolitan. This article has been viewed 31,144 times. 20 votes - 95% Co-authors: 4Updated: May 4, 2023 Views: 31,144 Categories: Relationships In other languages Portuguese Spanish
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Download Article Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Confirm that your partner is a catfish. 2 Confront them to break things off directly. 3 Break the news to the catfisher’s other contacts. 4 Block their phone number and social media accounts. 5 Block and report their dating profile. 6 Switch to a different email address. 7 Report the catfisher to the authorities. 8 Delete your online dating profiles. 9 Go easy on yourself. 10 Practice self-care. 11 Confide in your friends and loved ones. 12 Visit a therapist if you’re struggling. + Show 9 more... - Show less... Other Sections Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Co-authored by Lisa Shield and Janice Tieperman 
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Co-authored by: Lisa Shield Dating Coach This article was co-authored by Lisa Shield and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Lisa Shield is a love and relationship expert based in Los Angeles. She has a Master's degree in Spiritual Psychology and is a certified life and relationship coach with over 17 years of experience. Lisa has been featured in The Huffington Post, Buzzfeed, LA Times, and Cosmopolitan. This article has been viewed 31,144 times. 20 votes - 95% Co-authors: 4 Updated: May 4, 2023 Views: 31,144 Categories: Relationships In other languages Portuguese Spanish 
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Leave no room for doubt or confusion before you end the relationship. Catfishers often use the same tricks and ruses to manipulate their victims, like using fake, too-good-to-be-true pictures on their dating profiles. An image search can tell you if these pics are originals or copies from somewhere across the web.[1] Here are a few other warning signs that your SO might be a catfish: 
Give yourself and the catfisher an opportunity for closure. Let your catfisher know what you’ve discovered, and that your relationship is over. Explain that you’re hurt and confused by their behavior, and give them a chance to be honest and drop the facade. Even if they refuse to drop the ruse, let them know that they’re out of your life.[8] You might say: 
A quick conversation can save someone from a lot of hurt. Before blocking your catfisher on every possible platform, take a look at their friends lists and followers to see if you share any mutual contacts. It could be worth sending a quick warning message to these people to let them know that their “friend” isn’t who they say they are.[9] 
Catfishers are sneaky and may try to contact you after the fact. Think of the different ways you contacted your catfisher over the past few weeks or months. Did you just text each other, or did they add you on multiple social media and messaging platforms? Whatever the case, block the catfisher’s phone number and all of their social media profiles so they can’t get in touch with you.[10] Here’s how you can block them on: 
This prevents any other innocent victims from getting catfished. Search in your chat history on the dating app to find the catfisher’s profile.[11] Then, use the app’s built-in safety features to block and report the profile in question. Here’s how: 
Tie up any loose ends that could help the catfisher track you down. A lot of times, catfishers like to take their conversations to a more private platform, like email.[12] If you and your catfisher chatted a lot via email, it might be worth making an entirely new account so they can’t contact you. 
Catfishing isn’t just emotionally hurtful—it’s also illegal. Catfishers often impersonate a living, unsuspecting person to make their ruse more convincing. In other cases, they’ll try to scam money from their online partner. It could be worth bringing your evidence to your local police station and seeing what the authorities say.[13] 
Give yourself some breathing room after ending the catfish relationship. Getting catfished is a majorly hurtful and traumatic experience. Instead of jumping right back into the dating scene, give yourself some time to heal and recover from the toxic relationship by deleting your dating profiles altogether: 
Remind yourself that you’re the victim and that you have nothing to be ashamed of. It’s totally normal to feel upset, angry, and/or embarrassed after discovering that you were catfished. All of your feelings are valid and understandable—just remind yourself that you aren’t stupid or naive for wanting to find love online. At the end of the day, catfishing is always the fault of the catfisher, not the innocent victim who got caught on their hook. Advertisement 
Self-care gives you time to focus on your own needs after a hurtful relationship. Cook yourself a healthy meal, listen to some nice music, buy yourself something that’s been on your wish list for a while, or do some other activity that makes you feel happy and content.[14] Self-care is a great way to remind yourself that you’re important and that your worth is not defined by anyone but yourself. You could: 
Friends and family members can help you feel heard during this tough time. Maybe you’re feeling angry that your catfisher so blatantly violated your trust, or hurt that your ex-partner manipulated you in such a despicable way. In any case, your friends and family can provide valuable guidance and help remind you that you’re not alone.[16] [17] Advertisement 
Your feelings are completely valid, and you don’t have to deal with them by yourself. There’s absolutely nothing wrong or shameful about seeing a therapist; in fact, seeing a therapist is a great way to work through your feelings and heal.[18] A therapist can also help you:[19]