Unknown Number Catfish Reddit | Unknown Number High School Catfish

The concept of an “unknown number catfish” is a popular theme in true crime and documentaries, most recently brought to the forefront by the Netflix documentary “Unknown Number: The High School Catfish.”

This documentary, and the Reddit discussions it has spawned, highlights a very specific and disturbing form of catfishing.

The True Story Behind “Unknown Number: The High School Catfish”

The Netflix documentary details the true story of a Michigan high school student, her boyfriend, and their families who were tormented for months by a persistent stream of anonymous, harassing, and often threatening text messages from an unknown number.

The sender, who was eventually revealed to be the girl’s own mother, used the anonymous number to:

• Cyberbully:

  • Send vicious messages to her daughter and her boyfriend.

• Manipulate:

  • Try to break up the relationship by posing as a classmate and fabricating stories.

• Threaten:

  • The messages escalated to the point of telling her daughter to harm herself.

The case gained significant attention because of the shocking reveal of the culprit and the lengths they went to maintain the facade, including faking police reports to make it seem like they were also a victim.

What Makes an “Unknown Number Catfish” Different?

While most catfishing involves creating a fake persona to lure a victim into a relationship, the “unknown number” variation often focuses on harassment and manipulation rather than a romantic scam. The goal is not to form a fake relationship, but to sow discord, cause distress, and exert control from behind a veil of anonymity.

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Red Flags to Look Out For

If you are receiving texts or messages from an unknown number that feel suspicious, here are some common red flags:

• Intense Emotional Manipulation:

  • The messages are designed to provoke a strong emotional response, whether it’s fear, anger, or confusion.

• Knowledge of Private Details:

  • The sender knows things about you that a stranger shouldn’t, such as your nickname, family members, or personal events. This suggests the person is likely someone you know.

• Refusal to Identify Themselves:

  • The sender will not tell you who they are, and will often make excuses or use vague language when asked directly.

• Urgency or Threats:

  • The messages may create a sense of urgency, often threatening to expose secrets or cause trouble if you don’t comply with their demands.

• Inconsistent Behavior:

  • The tone or content of the messages may shift dramatically, which can be a sign that a single person is playing multiple roles.

What to Do If You Suspect an “Unknown Number” Catfish

1. Do Not Engage:

   • The best course of action is to stop responding to the messages. Engaging with the harasser only gives them what they want.

2. Block the Number:

   • Immediately block the number to prevent them from contacting you.

3. Document Everything:

   • Take screenshots of all the messages and any other relevant information. This is crucial evidence if you decide to take the matter to the authorities.

4. Tell Someone:

   • Inform a trusted adult, family member, or friend about what is happening. If you are a minor, this is especially important.

5. Report it:

   • If the messages are threatening or contain explicit content, report them to the police. Law enforcement can often subpoena phone records to trace the number, even if it’s a prepaid “burner” phone.