How to Do Catfish Reverse Image Search

Are you worried about being catfished and want to learn how to reverse search images to verify people’s authenticity? You might want to look up your Tinder date before trusting them, or protect your family members and loved ones from being catfished online. There are numerous tools and methods to verify images of people.

However, researching them thoroughly is crucial for achieving the desired outcomes. Using an ordinary tool for reverse image search can lead to unrelated results, false positives, missing information, and even privacy issues for users. Therefore, I sat for over 110 hours and tested more than 30 tools and methods to find the best way to achieve accurate results.

Now you can go through the top 9 methods that I shortlisted after personally using them, offering my unbiased opinion on each tool.

Disclaimer: Guru99 does not support any unethical use of reverse image search tools and methods. Using these sites and techniques with the intent to harm or harass someone can be a serious offense. Additionally, always respect individuals’ privacy when searching for their images and do not publish the acquired details without their consent.

Here are The Methods to Do Catfish Reverse Image Search

In this section, you will find some of the best methods and third-party tools that I have used over the years and found reliable. Moreover, I tested their latest version to see all the updates and performance strengths as well.

Method 1: Using Social Catfish Image Lookup

Social Catfish is one of the most used reverse image lookup search engines for verifying online connections. It can help identify fake dating profiles, social media accounts, etc. I did not just receive a simple result with similar images and their sources, but also found the individual’s related information. The report includes their name, email address, social media accounts, and more.

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Reverse Image Lookup: Yes

Identify Fake Profiles: Yes

Tracking Photos: Yes

Free Trial: 3-Day Trial for $6.87

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The main challenge that I faced using it was that it didn’t return any results for slightly low resolution images. However, when I used alternative photos and image enhancers it was able to deliver better results. Overall, Social Catfish provides fast, relevant insights in under 2-3 minutes, making it convenient to instantly look up your online connections.

Here’s how I used Social Catfish to reverse-search an image:

Step 1) Visit https://socialcatfish.com/, choose the Image search option, then go to the search bar, upload the photo, and tap Search.

Step 2) Allow the tool to search and wait for it to complete the scan.

Step 3) Once it completes scanning, enter your email ID, agree to its terms and collect your report. Apart from matches, this report shall include the details related to them.

Visit Social Catfish >>

3-Day Trial for $6.87

Method 2: Using Google Images

Google Images is another popular and globally used reverse image search engine. It lets you look up photos and provides a large number of results. I usually select Visual Matches and Exact Matches in its filter option to get better output. You can also use its integrated Google Lens tool to do a direct search on the go. Active social media users who connect with people for business or personal reasons can also use it to verify accounts and see if their images are authentic.

I used it to look up an influencer and find out about their social media presence. This led me to all their social handle links and a few news blogs about their skincare product launch. My first attempt was great, but one of their images returned generic pictures, so try using unique images and more close-ups or utilize the cropping tool for better focus.

Here’s a step-by-step on how I used Google Images:

Step 1) Go to https://www.google.com/imghp, enter the URL of the image, upload it, or drag and drop the image.

Step 2) It will automatically trigger a search and take you to the results, you can click on visual match or exact match to filter them.

Step 3) Tapping on any of these options will lead you to the sites where the images have been uploaded.

Link: https://www.google.com/imghp

Method 3: Using Bing Visual Search

Bing Visual Search is a search engine similar to Google Images, which was developed by Microsoft. Users can try this reverse image search as an alternative to Google Images when it is unable to find certain images. I found its cropping tool quite helpful as it allowed me to refine the search even with the slightest movement.

This tool can look up images within a fraction of a second and is easy to use. Therefore, any technologically challenged parents and guardians can also use it to look up their kid’s online friends for safety. However, the result contains too many generic images. You can crop for a more precise search or skim through the results to find the right person. If Bing Visual fails to give any result, try the alternative tools in this list.

Follow the step-by-step of Bing Visual Search to reverse search an image:

Step 1) Go to https://www.bing.com/visualsearch?cc=in, drag and drop an image, paste a URL, or upload a photo. I am using a URL for this demonstration.

Step 2) Once you paste the URL, this will directly lead you to the results. As you can see, I found one exact image related to my search and two other images of the same individual (you can simply ignore the other generic images).

Link: https://www.bing.com/visualsearch

Method 4: Using TinEye Reverse Image Search

TinEye is a straight forward reverse image search tool designed to find similar images even if they are altered. I could also use its extension on Chrome, Firefox, Opera and Edge. Hence, if you are on a dating site and need to verify your connection immediately, using its extension can offer instant result.

My cousin wanted to look up her current Hinge matches to find out which ones are a poser. So I used TinEye’s regular search and MatchEngine to verify the authenticity of the images. It helped me look up even heavily filtered images, which allowed her to shortlist her date easily. However, it doesn’t show social media images, so using another search tool to find the linked accounts is recommended.

Here’s how I used TinEye to look up my cousin’s dates:

Step 1) Go to https://tineye.com/, enter a URL, or upload an image you want to look up, and tap on the magnifying glass.

Step 2) You will then receive a number of results, and the tool will show you the best matches. You can also use the filter to find what you require.

If the photo has been reposted too many times, TinEye may not be able to trace back to the original source. You can check the context of where it’s being posted and get your detective mode on to find it.

Link: https://tineye.com/

Method 5: Using FaceCheck ID Reverse Lookup

FaceCheck ID is direct reverse look up tool which allows you to search images in bulk. I used it to look up my new roommate and found it quite effective as it showed me even their YouTube channel’s thumbnails. The images in its results include social media, sex offenders, mugshots, news blogs, videos, etc. As per my experience, compared to other tools, FaceCheck ID is highly accurate in reading facial features.

The most unique strengths of this face search engine tool is its capability to look up even side profiles. It uncovered the right person’s image even when I tried their side-facing photos. However, if the image is too small or the resolution is too low, FaceCheck ID may not return any results. In such situations, try using alternate pictures to look up.

Here’s how you can use FaceCheck ID to reverse search images:

Step 1) First, visit https://facecheck.id/, upload an image/ images or drag and drop them, and tap on Search Internet by face. Next, clear CAPTCHA and allow the tool to search.

Step 2) Once the search is complete, you will receive several images, ranging from the same image to other photos of the same person.

Link: https://facecheck.id/

Method 6: Using PimEyes Reverse Image Lookup

PimEyes is a face search engine that lets you upload up to 5 images or take pictures to find them online. It is mainly used by professionals like models, photographers, business owners, and talent agencies. This tool helps find duplicates and targets copyright infringement. It also helped me lookup an interior designer who I wanted to hire. She had just started her business so I was skeptical, however, PimEyes led me some blogs related to the individual, which made me pick her.

At times, I found too many similar repeated results on the site, so I had to refine the search by adjusting the confidence level. Applying its advanced filters can also be of help. Additionally, I found the database slightly more limited than the tools above. Hence, try the alternatives if you reach a dead end.

Here’s a step-by-step on how to use PimEyes to do a catfish reverse image search:

Step 1) Go to https://pimeyes.com/en and navigate to the search bar. Then, upload an image or images or take a picture and allow it to process.

Step 2) Now, filter the search by tapping on either Safe Search or Deep Search. Then select the time of the image when it was uploaded, which will allow you to find the latest and oldest photos. Finally, tap on Search to get the result.

Link: https://pimeyes.com/en

Method 7: Using SauceNAO Reverse Image search

SaucenNAO is a unique reverse image search tool that lets you select various types of databases to look up photos. The databases include Movies, H-Magazine, Anime, Shutterstock, Twitter, etc. It helped me track down a catfish online who was trying to fool my friend by using a random character’s images from a movie. The image wasn’t of a well-known actor. Hence, it felt genuine to my friend, but I knew something was off due to the cinematic color grading.

Having said that, I still found its DB limited, as it isn’t as vast as Google’s or Social Catfish’s databases. Therefore, some of the images I looked up weren’t found by Saucenao, and you may even come across misleading false positives. In such cases, try other search tools that have a larger database.

Use the following step-by-step process to use SauceNAO for reverse image search:

Step 1) Start by visiting https://saucenao.com/ then paste a URL or upload the image you want to search. You can either choose the database or keep it as All DBs, then tap on Search.

Step 2) It will then display all the similar images found online with the source link, which will have the username/ site name– of who posted or where it’s posted.

Link: https://saucenao.com/

Method 8: Using Spokeo People Lookup

Spokeo is a people search site that can identify individuals and offer their complete background details. It is not a reverse image lookup service, however, its report offers related images of a person. Thus, it can help you verify catfishers using their name, email ID, phone number, and username. I was able to verify an individual on Tinder using Spokeo, as it showed me other dating profiles related to the phone number he was using to contact me.

I won’t recommend it if you only have an image as your input data. However, you can use the information gained from other reverse image lookup tools, such as their full name and email address, and then use Spokeo to verify it. You may also come across some outdated information or missing data in the result. However, it offers notifications that alert you when any new data is updated in the existing report.

Here’s a step-by-step on how to use Spokeo to perform a reverse search:

Step 1) Visit https://www.spokeo.com/, enter the information you have about the individual, and tap on Search. I am using a full name for the search demonstration.

Step 2) Now you will get a lineup of results with the name, look at the basic details such as age, location, relatives, etc., and select the report you want to open by tapping on See Results.

Step 3) This will further show you some basic details, then finally tap on Unlock Profile to get the full report.

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Method 9: Using Pinterest Built-In Reverse Search

Pinterest is a popular social media that has a built-in reverse lookup feature. I used this tool to find several influencers’ Pinterest accounts. It is efficient, but you must upload the image to your Pinterest account to look it up. Sometimes the results will lead to external sources if the image is shared on Pinterest via those sites, for example, Etsy. Many catfishers use images from Pinterest, as there are several underrated profiles featuring beautiful people on this platform.

Hence, social media users who want to find out if someone is using images from Pinterest to catfish you, can use this method. Unfortunately, its search is limited to Pinterest, so you won’t always get what you are looking for. I suggest you use its cropping feature as well to refine the results. Pinterest may also provide unrelated similar looking generic images, so you must look through the results carefully to find your desired person.

Use the following steps to reverse search an image on Pinterest:

Step 1) Open the app, upload an image, and ensure your profile is public so the tool can search without restrictions. Now, tap on the magnifying glass, you can also click on the image to crop it.

Step 2) Now, you will find similar results or different images of the same person.

Link: https://www.pinterest.com/

How to Overcome Limitations of Reverse Image Search

Here are the best ways to overcome the limitations of reverse image search tools:

Limitation: You get inaccurate and limited search results only
How to overcome: Use multiple reverse image search tools if one provides inaccurate results. Always use high-quality images and avoid blurry pictures where it’s difficult to scan the features.
Limitation: There is no result since the images are not available online
How to overcome: I suggest using multiple search engines since if Social Catfish fails, Google, Bing, or FaceCheck ID might help. There is also Saucenao, Pinterest, etc., for extra assistance in your research.
Limitation: The tool might have limited searches in certain regions
How to overcome: You can use more globally accepted reverse search tools or target a region using a VPN. Additionally, for social media images, use social media specific search tools.
Limitation: Images are extremely altered or cropped on your target site
How to overcome: If you are in doubt about an image because it is edited way too much, then try using tools like TinEye. In case it doesn’t work, look for the source and context of the image. Use people’s search sites and look up the related information instead of the photo.
Limitation: False positives appear in the search results
How to overcome: Try using a different image and cross-check with other reverse lookup tools for verification.
Limitation: No information about the exact origin/source of the image
How to overcome: You can use additional tools for search, such as metadata extraction and checking social media.
Limitation: Privacy concerns about the photos uploaded
How to overcome: Always use tools that offer opt-out and easy removal of the pictures from its site. You should also read reviews and check the data policy thoroughly to see how serious they are about protecting user information.

Signs That You Are Being Catfished

Here are some of the best ways to tell if you are being catfished:

Photos are too good to be true: If you are talking to someone online with overly professional pictures that look very groomed and perfect, you might be getting catfished (unless they are actually a model).
Refuses to meet: The catfish will give excuses after excuses to avoid a physical date. They might go to the lengths of having an emergency or say they are out of station.
Instant connection: Since catfishers have limited time to scam and want you to fall for them, you might notice that they seem like an extreme green flag right away. They might even have already declared their love for you within a few days of chatting.
Asking for financial support: Your catfisher might tell you about a life-and-death situation or an emergency to extract money. Now that they have shown so much care and admiration, you feel obligated to help them. If the Catfisher is from another country, they might even make you consider paying for their travel to meet you.
Sudden ghosting: Your online connection might not reply for days and go missing without informing. That’s because they are a fraud and will come back only when they need something from you.
No actual personal details or vague info: Think hard if you really have been able to extract clear personal details. Have they also been vague about their identity and uncomfortable when talking about other personal information? Well, looks like you are being catfished.
Off-Timezone: A catfisher might claim to be from a certain location. However, the routine that they are sharing with you in the conversation might not match the timezone.

How to Protect Yourself from Catfishing

Here, I have listed some of the best practices that you can use to protect yourself from being catfished:

You must avoid sharing personal information too quickly. Catfishers try to gain your trust so that you give them your personal details, such as your address or financial information, for their benefit.
Do not trust people who show too much concern or love right away and shower too many compliments. This love bombing is done only to manipulate victims.
Listen to the conversation carefully especially when they are sharing some incident. You can also ask questions and look for inconsistencies or any vague replies.
Observe carefully how they behave when you request a video call. Catfishers will make excuses continuously to avoid it.
Find out about their social media presence and explore different platforms. A lack of social media presence, unclear images, and other inconsistencies could indicate a fake profile.
If your gut tells you something is off, trust it. Take a step back and analyze the situation properly before continuing or discontinuing the connection.

FAQs

Yes, reverse image search tools and methods are legal. However, you must always respect privacy and avoid using images of people without consent. Even if you do look them up for important personal reasons, you should not intend to use them in any way that violates privacy or the law.

Reverse image search are useful tools, but might not be enough to identify a catfish. These tools can reveal stolen images and similar photos or even identify a person. However, there is a chance of false positives and gaps in the report. Thus, combining other techniques with the tools can help gain better accuracy.

You should be cautious about what you share online and take privacy settings seriously. Avoid posting overly personal photos and details to prevent them from being misused.

Conclusion

Finding an online catfisher using reverse image search is a quick and simple trick. However, the search results vary based on the tool you are using. Some of these tools not only find similar images and duplicates but also provide complete details about an individual. While others are more direct and only show duplicates and their sources. As per my research, Social Catfish, Google Images, and Bing Visual Search are highly reliable. In contrast, tools like TinEye and FaceCheck ID can be used to narrow down results, especially FaceCheck ID, which can even verify side profiles and photos from video platforms.

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