How to Catch a Catfish on Muslim Matchmaking Apps

What is Catfishing?

Catfishing, where someone deceives others by using fake identities or misleading photos, is a growing problem in online matchmaking. It can lead to emotional distress, financial scams, and even public embarrassment. A recent case that caught global attention involved an American woman, Onijah Andrew Robinson, who apparently catfished a man in Pakistan using a Nicki Manji filter. This unfortunate event serves as a cautionary tale for those matching with someone online.

The Onijah Andrew Robinson Story and American in Pakistan

Onijah Andrew Robinson, a 33-year-old woman from the United States, connected online with a 19-year-old Pakistani man, Nidal Ahmed Memon. The pair built a virtual relationship, and Robinson ultimately decided to travel to Karachi to marry him. However, upon arrival, Memon’s family rejected the marriage after realising that Robinson’s online images had been heavily altered using filters and editing tools.

The situation escalated when Robinson claimed she had been abandoned and later held press conferences in Pakistan, alleging mistreatment. The incident became viral on social media, highlighting the consequences of misrepresentation in online matchmaking. This case is a reminder of the real-life impact of catfishing, especially in Muslim matchmaking, where sincerity and honesty are crucial in forming halal relationships.

How Vidnik Combats Catfishing with AI-Powered Selfie Verification

Vidnik understands that trust is the foundation of successful matchmaking. To eliminate the risk of catfishing, Vidnik has implemented a cutting-edge AI-powered selfie verification system to prevent people from misusing identities. Here’s how it works:

Real-Time Selfie Checks – Every user must take a live selfie upon signing up. This ensures that the person behind the profile is real and matches their uploaded images.

Liveness Detection Technology – Vidnik’s AI scans for facial movements and depth to confirm that the selfie is not a static photo or an edited image.

Profile Photo Matching – Vidnik’s system cross-references the real-time selfie with the profile pictures to detect inconsistencies and prevent the use of deceptive images.

Tips to Avoid Catfishing in Online Matchmaking – While technology can help prevent catfishing, users must also take precautions when engaging with potential matches. Here are some essential tips to protect yourself:

• Request a Video Call Early On – A genuine person seeking marriage should have no issue with a short video call. This helps verify their appearance and mannerisms before emotional investment and you can have a Wali present.


• Be Cautious with Overly Perfect Profiles – If someone’s pictures look like they belong in a modelling portfolio, or their life story seems too good to be true, it may be a red flag. Perform a reverse image search on their photos to check if they are stolen from elsewhere.


• Look for Inconsistencies in Their Story – A catfish often struggles to keep their lies consistent. If their background details frequently change or their responses seem evasive, take a step back.


• Avoid Sharing Personal Information Too Soon – Never disclose sensitive details such as your home address, workplace, or financial information until you are certain about the other person’s legitimacy.


• Rely on Trusted Matchmaking Platforms with Verification Processes – Choosing apps like Vidnik, which enforce strict verification measures, reduces the risk of encountering fake profiles. Avoid platforms that lack proper identity checks.


• Trust Your Instincts – If something feels off, don’t ignore your gut feeling. Catfishers often play on emotions to make victims lower their guard, so staying vigilant is crucial.