People convicted of catfishing could face up to five years behind bars. 

Fianna Fáil Senator Lisa Chambers has introduced the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person (Amendment) Bill 2024 into the Seanad and, if passed, it would introduce further criminal sanctions. 

Catfishing is when a person creates a fake social media profile that is used to trick someone into thinking they are in a romantic relationship or to extract money from them. 

At present, catfishing is only illegal if financial fraud is committed. 

On Newstalk Breakfast, Senator Chambers said catfishing can have a devastating impact on those who are impacted by it. 

“There are two victims usually in this crime,” she said. 

“There is the person whose identity you’ve used - their photograph or personal details. 

“Then there’s the person who has been duped into a relationship thinking they are talking to somebody that isn’t really the person on the end of the profile. 

“It seeks to try and protect both victims and give them recourse through the law to try and get this resolved.” 

Senator Chambers’ bill has passed the First Stage of the Seanad and, if enacted, could see those convicted fined or serve time behind bars. 

“Upon conviction - [if] it’s summary - it could be up to 12 months in prison or a fine,” she said. 

“Or on conviction on indictment, it could be up to five years.” 

34th Dáil

Senator Chambers has been selected to contest Mayo as a Fianna Fáil candidate in this year’s General Election. 

She conceded it is “unlikely” her bill will pass both Houses of the Oireachtas before polling day but vowed to continue working on the issue. 

“I will debate second stage this evening - it’s possible I could get all stages finished in the Seanad but then it has to go through the same five stages in the Dáil as well,” she said. 

“If we have an election this side of Christmas, if the bill doesn’t make it through the terms ends, I will be introducing it in the new term - assuming I’m still a member of the Oireachtas.” 

The Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person (Amendment) Bill 2024 is also sponsored by Fianna Fáil Senators Catherine Ardagh, Timmy Dooley and Fiona O'Loughlin.

Main image: An upset woman. Picture by: Alamy.com