Is Catfishing Illegal? The impersonation of another person online is not illegal by itself. However, the actions of the instigator of catfishing usually engage in some form of illegal activity at some point. Almost anything the person does could have legal ramifications when he or she catfishes another person.

Is catfishing online illegal?

Is catfishing legal? It may surprise people, but while the act of catfishing is often cruel, it is not illegal in itself, despite the harmful consequences it may cause. As yet, there is no specific law against catfishing among adults.

Is misrepresent yourself illegal online?

There are times that it is illegal to misrepresent yourself online, and doing so will face you hefty fines, and possibly even prison time. Though there was an era when merely opting into an app by accepting their terms of service was used as a way to press criminal charges, those days are waning.

Is lying about age online a crime?

While its not illegal, lying about your age does violate the Terms of Service agreement users must agree to when they sign up. And when parents help kids lie online, theyre setting a poor example about good digital behavior.

Is false impersonation a crime?

Under California Penal Code Section 529 PC, false impersonation (also called false personation) is a criminal offense involving the use of someone elses name in order to cause harm to that other person or to improperly gain a benefit. By posting bail or bond for a party by using someone elses name.