A person who creates multiple fake identities online and assumes another person's identity to deceive, manipulate, or exploit others is commonly referred to as a "catfish" or an "online catfish."
The term "catfish" originated from the 2010 documentary film "Catfish," which followed a man's online relationship that turned out to be built on lies and fake identities. The movie popularized the term, and it has since become widely used to describe individuals who engage in deceptive online practices.
Catfishing typically involves creating fake social media profiles or online personas to establish relationships with others, often with romantic intentions. The catfish may use photos or information stolen from someone else's online profile to present themselves as a different person. They often develop emotional connections with their victims, sometimes for extended periods, and may use manipulation, lies, or emotional tactics to exploit or extract personal information from them.
It's essential for individuals to exercise caution and be vigilant when engaging in online relationships, especially when interacting with people they have not met in person. Being aware of the signs of potential catfishing and being cautious about sharing personal information can help protect oneself from falling victim to such deceptive practices.