The other interesting thing I always find about people who "exaggerate" their online representation is that:
1. They always choose the most beautiful pictures of the most beautiful people. Hmm. I mean, who ever heard of a catfish who was using pictures of not-so-attractive people?
2. They always make it sound as if they have the most prestigious careers, highest-paying jobs, and super exciting lives ("Sure, I can afford this $5 million dollar house and monthly trips to Hawaii! And I'm only 23!!") Why not just speak the truth: "I'm broke, I live on my parent's couch, and I work as a cashier." (For anyone who thinks that's an insult, I'VE worked as a cashier all my life.)
Everything is geared towards getting the most attention possible, and that right there speaks volumes about what their real motivations are.
I can't help but think... If catfish didn't want to be caught, they'd work at sounding more like normal, everyday people.
And if you're going to work that hard to sound like a normal, everyday person--you might as well just be your normal, everyday self.