That fishy story originates as a kind of Christian parable recorded by the early 1900s, but the documentary popularized catfish as a metaphor for a person who seduces another with a fake profile, pretending to be someone more attractive, successful, interesting, or sympathetic—keeping the seduced “on their toes” like

Why is scamming called catfish?

The term “catfishing” comes from a 2010 documentary film in which a man named Nev Schulman presented his own experience of being tricked online. Schulman then created an MTV show, which he and his partner Max Joseph host. The show investigates catfishing cases.

What does the term catfish mean?

Catfishing is when someone sets up a fake online profile to trick people who are looking for love, usually to get money out of them. If youre online dating, read these tips so you know how to spot a catfish.

How did catfish start?

In 2010, a tiny movie called Catfish debuted at the Sundance Film Festival. The film followed then-unknown Nev Schulman as he traveled from NYC to Ishpeming, Michigan to surprise someone he had been chatting with online for over eight months. For almost a year, Nev had been messaging a girl named Megan.

Is catfish real or staged?

Basically, its real, but some parts are edited for dramatic effect. Like the fact that its normally the catfish who applies to be on the show, not the catfishee. Yup.

Do the people on catfish get paid?

MTV has yet to disclose details about how much the people who appear on Catfish: The TV Show get paid. As previous casting calls posted by outlets like Auditions Free or Backstage indicate, those agreeing to appear in front of the camera are likely to receive at least some financial compensation for their efforts.