There’s a thin line between authenticity and deceit. You might come across people who seem genuine, but behind that convincing facade, they’re anything but real.

Fake people are masters of disguise; they expertly hide their true selves and intentions. It can be a challenge to spot them, but there are tell-tale signs that can give them away.

In this article, we’ll uncover the 10 signs someone is a fake person, even if they appear genuine on the surface. 

Let’s get started. 

1) Superficial interactions

In the world where authenticity is rare, fake people are often masters of surface-level interactions.

These individuals are skilled at making a great first impression. However, with time, you’ll notice that their conversations lack depth. It’s like they’re playing a well-rehearsed role, keeping you engaged but never really revealing anything substantial about themselves.

This is because fake people are typically more concerned with maintaining their carefully crafted image than building a genuine connection. They keep things light and avoid meaningful discussions, often steering the conversation back to themselves or trivial matters.

2) Inconsistent behavior

I’ve noticed in the past that inconsistency can be a clear sign of someone being a fake person.

Let me share a personal example. A few years back, I had a friend who was incredibly supportive and kind when we were one-on-one. However, in group settings, he would often belittle me or make fun of my aspirations. The stark difference in his behavior was jarring.

Over time, I realized that his kindness in private was just a way to keep me close while his public disrespect was just an attempt to maintain his image in our friend group. It was a painful realization but it taught me the importance of consistency in behavior as a measure of genuineness.

3) Lack of empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s a key component of emotional intelligence and a crucial aspect of genuine relationships.

However, fake people often struggle with empathy. This is because showing empathy requires vulnerability – something that fake people typically avoid as it can disrupt their carefully constructed image.

If you notice someone’s inability to empathize or their lack of emotional engagement, it might be another sign they aren’t as genuine as they appear.

4) They’re never wrong

One thing I’ve noticed is that fake people have a hard time admitting when they’re wrong. It’s like they’ve built this image of perfection and acknowledging a mistake would shatter that illusion.

Genuine people, on the other hand, understand that it’s human to err. They’re not afraid to admit their mistakes, learn from them, and grow. They value honesty and growth over maintaining a facade of perfection.

If you encounter someone who always seems to be right, never admits their faults or refuses to accept constructive criticism, it could be a sign that they’re not as genuine as they seem.

5) They crave attention

You might notice that fake people often crave the spotlight. They want to be the center of attention and will go to great lengths to ensure they stay there. They thrive on praise and compliments but struggle to cope with criticism or being overlooked.

Genuine people, however, are comfortable in their own skin and don’t require constant validation from others. They’re content with who they are and don’t feel the need to constantly be in the limelight.

If you find someone who constantly seeks validation or struggles when they’re not the center of attention, it might be a sign that they’re more focused on appearances than authenticity.

6) They drop friends quickly

There’s something heartbreaking about a person who discards friendships as if they were disposable. Genuine people understand the value of long-term relationships and put in the effort to maintain them.

Fake people, however, often view friendships as a means to an end. Once they’ve gotten what they wanted or a more advantageous connection comes along, they’re quick to let go of the ‘old’ friendship.

They lack the emotional depth and commitment that true friendships require.

7) They’re overly competitive

I remember a time when I was part of a team project at work. There was this colleague who always seemed to turn everything into a competition. Instead of collaborating and working together, he saw every task as a chance to outdo the rest of us. This created unnecessary tension within the team and hampered our overall progress.

Being competitive is not inherently bad. However, when it comes at the cost of team spirit or is driven by the need to always be superior, it can be a sign of a fake person.

Genuine people, on the other hand, understand the value of cooperation and mutual growth. They find joy in collective wins and don’t feel threatened by others’ successes.

8) They’re excessively charming

Charm can be a delightful quality, often associated with charisma and friendliness. However, when someone is excessively charming all the time, it may be a smoke screen for their true intentions.

Fake people often use charm as a tool to win people over quickly. It’s like a mask they put on to gain trust and manipulate situations in their favor. Genuine people, on the other hand, don’t need to put on a charm offensive to connect with others. Their authenticity shines through naturally in their interactions.

If you come across someone who’s always laying on the charm a bit too thick, it could be a sign that they’re hiding their true self behind a veneer of charisma.

9) They gossip a lot

Gossiping is not just a pastime, but a tool for some people. Fake individuals often indulge in gossip as a means to create alliances, manipulate others, or simply to draw attention to themselves.

They’re more interested in other people’s lives, mistakes, and failures than they are in their own personal growth. This constant negativity and inability to focus on the positive can be quite draining.

Genuine people, however, generally avoid gossip. They prefer building others up rather than tearing them down and focus more on positivity and growth.

10) They lack trustworthiness

At the core of every genuine relationship lies trust. It’s the foundation upon which meaningful connections are built. Fake people, unfortunately, often lack this crucial trait.

These individuals are more focused on their personal gains and maintaining their facade than building a bond of trust. They might break promises, lie, or hide the truth to suit their needs. This lack of reliability can be damaging to relationships and is a clear sign of inauthenticity.

Final thoughts: It’s about authenticity

Navigating the complexities of human interactions can be quite a challenge, but understanding the signs of inauthenticity can equip us with the tools to discern genuine people from fake ones.

However, it’s essential to remember that no one is perfect. We all have moments where we might come across as inauthentic or fall short of our values. What differentiates a genuine person from a fake one is their consistent effort to live authentically and treat others with respect and kindness.

As American author and motivational speaker, Steve Maraboli once said, “The volume of your voice does not increase the validity of your argument.” Equally, the charm of a personality doesn’t increase its authenticity.