NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — Many people meet each other on dating apps, and with Valentine's Day coming up, it's important to know the signs of "catfishing." "Catfishing" is when a person makes a fake online persona online to mislead others into a romantic relationship or even financial fraud. Social Catfish, an authority in romance scam prevention, has released the 100 Most "Catfished" Photos of 2025, as well as some tips to stay safe. The list was compiled after analyzing reverse image searches and highlights what images scammers are using the most on dating apps and social media. "If you recognize any of the photos in this list being used online, it is a strong indication that you may be interacting with a scammer," said the Founder of Social Catfish, David McClellan. "It is crucial to cease communication immediately and not send them any money." In 2023, Americans lost about $1.4 billion to romance scams, which is up from $547 million in 2021. North Dakota Tourism to unveil new promotional materials Fortunately, there are five things you can do to tell if an image is AI-generated: Anatomy errors, like extra or missing legs, arms, fingers, etc. Strange outfits where the wording on clothes is either gibberish or misspelled. Perfection of shiny or cartoonish images. Impossible shadows, when they are in the sun, but you can't see any shadows. See if objects like watches, hats, or glasses blur into the body. There are also some tips on how to avoid being part of a romance scam: Perform a reverse image search Never send money Insist on video chats Be wary of military service or living abroad claims Be wary of people who express love or commitment quickly If you do find yourself being "catfished" online, there are some things you can do: Report to law enforcement, the FTC, and the FBI IC3 Stop communication and block them Protect identity, change passwords, and enable two-factor authentication Monitor bank accounts and credit cards Above all, remember that you are not alone. You can get help from family, friends, and a mental health professional counselor. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW