Which term refers to creating an intentionally deceptive social media profile to obtain money?

• A. Social engineering
• B. Phishing
• C. Catfishing
• D. Doxing

Answer: (C)

Creating an intentionally deceptive social media persona to obtain money is catfishing. Catfishing means fabricating a fake online identity and using it to manipulate someone, often by building trust or an emotional connection, to extract money or other benefits. The scenario describes exactly that: a misleading profile designed to deceive others for financial gain.

Other terms don’t fit as precisely. Social engineering is a broader tactic that aims to trick people into revealing passwords or granting access, not necessarily via a false social media identity. Phishing involves fraudulent messages or emails meant to steal information or money, but it doesn’t specifically entail maintaining a full fake profile on social media. Doxing is about exposing someone’s private information to harm or threaten them, not about deception for financial gain.