How Catfishing Really Works: A Parent’s Guide to Protecting Teens From Online Impersonation & Emotional Manipulation (Digital Defense for Families)
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A short, powerful guide every modern parent needs.
Today’s teens live in a world where strangers don’t just hide behind fake photos — they use AI-generated faces, deepfake videos, voice cloning, and sophisticated emotional manipulation to build trust and control their victims. Catfishing has evolved, and parents must evolve with it.
How Catfishing Really Works is a concise, highly practical guide that breaks down the psychology, methods, and technology behind modern online deception. Written specifically for parents, this short guide reveals how catfishers target teenagers, what signs to watch for, and how to speak to your child without fear or shame.
Inside this short guide, you’ll learn:
- The real definition of catfishing — far beyond fake photos
- The step-by-step tactics manipulators use to target teens
- The platforms where catfishing happens (and why adults miss the signs)
- Behavioral and emotional red flags that indicate something is wrong
- How to talk to your teen without panic, blame, or confrontation
- Exactly what to do if your child is being manipulated or threatened
- A clear action plan for reporting, blocking, and gathering evidence
- How to prevent future catfishing attempts using simple safety habits
- What parents need to know about AI, deepfakes, and voice cloning
This is not a fear-based or overly technical book. It is a calm, reassuring guide that empowers parents to stay informed, build trust with their teens, and navigate the changing digital world with confidence.
This title is part of The Digital Defense for Families Series — a collection of short, focused guides that help parents understand and protect their families from modern online risks.
Perfect for busy parents who want clear answers, fast.