A bill is being introduced today in an attempt to try and make catfishing illegal.

Catfishing refers to when fake information - particularly photographs, often stolen from real people - is used to create a false online identity.

These false identities are then often used in online romance scams, which can range from fairly harmless to financially and emotionally devastating.

While catfishers might use their personas in an attempt to cover up certain crimes, the act of catfishing is not itself illegal.

A hacker using a virus to attack software in August 2019. Picture by: Westend61 GmbH / Alamy Stock Photo

However, that could change soon.

Senator for Fianna Fáil Fiona O’Loughlin told Lunchtime Live that it is "beyond time" that catfishing was addressed directly.

“It’s about really luring people into a relationship on false pretences,” she said.

“We really have seen the severe stress and anxiety that can be caused for victims.

“Some can be caught out financially and we’ve heard stories about that over the last number of years.

“So, it’s beyond time that we have a specific piece of legislation that equips the Gardaí to ensure that there is protection.”

Senator O'Loughlin said that while catfishing can be classed as identity fraud, it can be difficult to get a conviction.

You can listen back to the full interview here:

Main image: Love scam and romance fraud with messages. Image: Tero Vesalainen / Alamy. 5 August 2023