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When does catfishing become a felony?

On Behalf of | Jan 27, 2025 | Criminal Defense

Dating apps and social media dominate modern social connections, creating new ways to meet people online. Behind anonymous profiles, users sometimes create fake identities to trick others into various schemes. This practice, known as catfishing, often starts as simple deception but can spiral into serious criminal behavior. Texas prosecutors treat these cases as major crimes, especially when they involve fraud or exploitation.

How catfishing turns criminal

Your online activities might cross legal boundaries without you realizing it. Texas law recognizes several types of catfishing behavior as felony offenses.

  • Money scams: Creating romantic connections through fake profiles to trick people into sending money, gifts or valuable items may result in state fraud charges. These charges often escalate when schemes involve multiple victims or cross state lines. Prosecutors might pursue harsher penalties if the scheme targets elderly or vulnerable victims.
  • Photo theft: Using someone else’s photos or personal information to create deceptive profiles could violate identity theft laws. The severity of charges might increase based on how the stolen identity gets used and whether the real person suffers reputation damage or financial loss.
  • Sexual content: Requesting or obtaining explicit photos through false pretenses might lead to sex crime charges. Prosecutors may pursue additional charges if the content gets shared with others or used for blackmail purposes.
  • Digital stalking: Creating multiple fake accounts to monitor, contact or harass someone could trigger stalking violations. The charges might become more serious if the behavior continues after warnings or involves threats of violence.
  • Targeting teens: Any online interactions with underage users may bring severe criminal penalties, regardless of initial intent. The mere act of continuing communication after learning someone’s underage status could trigger sex offense charges.
  • Cross-border tricks: Operating deceptive schemes across state lines could add federal charges to existing state violations. Federal involvement often means stricter penalties and mandatory minimum sentences.

These actions attract attention from both state and federal investigators who monitor social media platforms for criminal behavior. A skilled defense attorney becomes vital at the first sign of investigation.

A felony conviction for catfishing can destroy career opportunities and personal freedom. Anyone facing these accusations needs to contact a criminal defense lawyer before talking to investigators.