Online ‘Catfish’ Scam Turns Violent in Connecticut

I've joked about being Catfished before -- If you haven't heard the story, a fake Sam Hunt accounted started following me on Instagram and started sending me messages. I knew he wasn't the real Sam Hunt, and it did get a bit creepy, so I blocked the guy.

As much as we joke about getting "Catfished" if you aren't careful, the situation could be very scary. Online dating is hard -- I know, I've been there -- so take every precaution before you go out to meet someone. Ivan Fernandez of Hamden learned that lesson the hard way when an online date turned violent.

According to a press release from the New Haven Police Department, Ivan was planning on meeting up with a woman named Tasha, who he met on the dating site, Plenty of Fish. After they met, Tasha asked to be driven to a loading dock. Red Flag right there!

As they parked, a man walked up to the car and stabbed Ivan. The unknown man and the woman known as "Tasha" took off in Ivan's car, while Ivan miraculously made his way to a fast food restaurant to call for help.

"Tasha" and her accomplice have not been found.

Online daters, let this be a lesson learned.