Is catfishing illegal? Catfishing in itself is not illegal. The act of using anothers picture and talking to people online is not against the law, but it is often a step towards illegal activities.

What are the consequences of catfishing?

As well as the emotional devastation that someone who has been catfished can potentially go through, they can also face embarrassment and regret for believing and falling for a completely non-existent person. Financial loss and mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression can all come about because of catfishing.