He Won't Video Call: A Guide to Verifying Someone You've Never Met

In today's digital age, forming connections online is more common than ever. Whether it's through dating apps, social media, or online gaming, building relationships virtually has become a norm. However, with the ease of connecting comes the increased risk of encountering individuals who aren't who they claim to be. One of the most significant red flags? They consistently avoid video calls.

Why the Reluctance to Show Their Face?

Before jumping to conclusions, it's important to understand the potential reasons why someone might be hesitant to video call. While some reasons might be legitimate, others are definite cause for concern:

Catfishing: This is the most common and alarming reason. They're using someone else's photos and creating a false persona. A video call would instantly expose their deception.
Insecurity: Some people struggle with self-esteem and might feel uncomfortable showing their face on camera due to perceived flaws or anxieties.
Technical Issues: While less likely in today's tech-savvy world, they might genuinely have poor internet connectivity or a malfunctioning webcam. However, this excuse should be temporary.
Privacy Concerns: They might be overly cautious about their privacy and hesitant to reveal their surroundings or living situation.
Married or in a Relationship: They might be hiding their identity to engage in an affair or keep their online activities secret from their partner.

Recognizing the Excuses

The key is to pay attention to the frequency and nature of the excuses. A legitimate reason will usually be accompanied by a willingness to find a solution. A catfish, on the other hand, will often offer vague or elaborate stories that don't quite add up. Here are some common excuses:

"My camera is broken." (But never gets fixed)
"My internet is really bad right now." (Every time you suggest a call)
"I'm not feeling well." (Whenever a video call is mentioned)
"I'm really busy with work." (And always unavailable for video calls)
"I'm just a private person." (But willing to share personal details in text)

If you're consistently met with these kinds of excuses, it's time to take action.

How MambaPanel Can Help Verify an Identity

So, how can you determine if the person you're talking to is genuine? This is where MambaPanel's powerful face search technology comes into play. Our service allows you to upload a photo of the individual and search our database of over 7 billion faces to see if it appears anywhere else online. Here's how it works:

Obtain a Photo: Get a clear, recent photo of the person you're communicating with. This could be from their profile picture, a photo they've sent you, or even a screenshot from a (possibly manipulated) video.
Upload to MambaPanel: Simply upload the photo to MambaPanel's face search tool.
Analyze the Results: Our advanced AI algorithms will scan the internet for matches. If the photo appears on multiple platforms under different names or in contexts that don't align with their story, it's a major red flag.

Real-World Examples and Use Cases

Here are some scenarios where MambaPanel's face search could be invaluable:

Dating App Verification: You've matched with someone on a dating app, but they're hesitant to video call. Run their profile picture through MambaPanel. You might discover that the same photo is being used on a professional networking site under a different name, revealing they're using a stolen identity.
Social Media Connection: You've connected with someone on social media who claims to be a successful entrepreneur, but their profile seems vague. A face search might reveal that the photo they're using is actually a stock image or belongs to someone else entirely.
Online Gaming Friend: You've befriended someone in an online game, and you're starting to develop feelings. Before getting too invested, use MambaPanel to verify their identity. You might find that the photo they're using is of a celebrity or influencer.

Beyond Face Search: Other Verification Methods

While MambaPanel can provide valuable insights, it's important to use multiple methods to verify someone's identity:

Reverse Image Search (Google, TinEye): Perform a reverse image search on their photos using Google Images or TinEye. This can help you find the original source of the image and potentially uncover fake profiles.
Social Media Investigation: Look for their presence on other social media platforms. Do their profiles align with the information they've given you? Are they connected to people who seem legitimate?
Ask Specific Questions: Ask detailed questions about their life, work, and interests. Inconsistencies in their answers can be a warning sign.
Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, don't ignore your intuition. It's better to be cautious than to become a victim of catfishing or online scams.

Protect Yourself and Your Heart

Online relationships can be rewarding, but it's crucial to prioritize your safety. Don't be afraid to ask questions, express your concerns, and demand verification. If someone is genuinely interested in building a connection with you, they'll be understanding and willing to address your concerns.

Avoiding video calls shouldn't be an indefinite situation. It's a red flag that warrants further investigation. Don't let excuses cloud your judgment. Take control of the situation and use the tools available to you to protect yourself.

Stop the excuses. Find out who you're really talking to.

AUTHOR: MambaPanel Team