We’ve all met them: People who appear genuine but turn out to be anything but. These fake individuals can cause quite a bit of harm, especially if we mistake their façade for authenticity.

The good news? Psychology provides us with some surefire signs to identify these individuals. Spotting a fake person doesn’t require a degree, just some awareness and understanding of human behavior.

In this article, we’ll decipher the classic signs that reveal a person’s true colors. Here are the 9 classic signs of a fake person, according to psychology. 

Let’s get started. 

1) They’re always wearing a mask

We all put on a bit of a show in certain situations, but fake people take this to the next level.

According to psychology, one of the most common signs of a fake person is their constant need to wear a metaphorical mask. They’re rarely authentic or genuine, often changing their opinions, behavior, and even their personality based on who they’re interacting with.

This chameleon-like behavior can be tiring to keep up with and is often a sign that they’re not being true to who they really are. Pay attention to how they act around different people. If you notice drastic changes, you might be dealing with a fake person.

Being adaptable is one thing, but constantly altering your identity is quite another.

2) Their actions don’t match their words

A classic sign, according to psychology, is when someone’s actions don’t align with their words. They make grand promises, but rarely follow through.

I recall a friend of mine, let’s call her Lisa. Lisa would always promise to show up at social events, family gatherings, or even just casual meet-ups. But when the time came, Lisa was always a no-show, with an array of excuses lined up.

It became clear that Lisa’s actions never matched her words. This inconsistency was a big red flag that she wasn’t as genuine as she portrayed herself to be.

If you notice this behavior in someone, it’s likely they’re a fake person. Authentic people aim to keep their word and follow through on their commitments.

3) They crave attention

Fake people often have an insatiable need for attention. They crave the spotlight and will go to great lengths to ensure they’re at the center of it all.

This behavior is rooted in psychology and is often linked to low self-esteem. According to a study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, individuals with low self-esteem are more likely to behave in ways that seek attention, even if it’s negative.

If you notice someone constantly seeking validation or trying to steal the spotlight, chances are they may not be as authentic as they seem. Genuine people are content with who they are and don’t feel the need to constantly be the center of attention.

4) They’re quick to judge others

Fake people have a tendency to judge others harshly, often without knowing the full story.

They’re quick to point out others’ flaws and mistakes, while rarely acknowledging their own. This behavior can be a defense mechanism, a way to divert attention away from their own shortcomings.

If you notice someone constantly criticizing others, particularly without a fair basis or understanding, they might not be as genuine as they appear.

Authentic people understand that everyone has flaws and try to see the good in others rather than focusing on the negatives.

5) They lack empathy

A significant sign of a fake person, according to psychology, is a lack of empathy. They struggle to understand and share the feelings of others, often showing indifference or even disregard for other people’s emotions.

This lack of empathy often manifests in them being unsupportive or dismissive when you’re going through a tough time. They might even turn the conversation around to make it about them.

So if you’re dealing with someone who consistently fails to show understanding or sympathy when it’s needed, you might be dealing with a fake person.

Genuine people strive to understand and support those around them, showing kindness and compassion in both words and actions.

6) They’re not reliable

Reliability is a trait that authentic people value highly. If someone consistently proves to be unreliable, it could be a sign of their fakeness.

We all miss appointments or deadlines from time to time. Life happens. But fake people make a habit out of it. They’ll leave you hanging, cancel plans at the last minute, or simply not show up without any explanation or apology.

This unreliability can leave you feeling undervalued and disappointed. Trust me, it’s a heartbreaking realization when someone you care about shows time and again that they cannot be trusted to keep their word.

If you consistently can’t count on someone, it might be a sign that they’re not as genuine as they appear. Authentic people understand the value of trust and work hard to maintain it.

7) They’re rarely the first to reach out

Have you ever noticed that with some people, if you don’t initiate contact, you might not hear from them for weeks, months, or even years? This is another sign of a fake person.

I’ve experienced this myself. I had a friend who would never initiate our catch-ups. It was always me making the plans, sending the first text, or calling to check in. It felt like a one-sided friendship, which eventually led me to question the authenticity of our relationship.

Genuine people understand that relationships are a two-way street and make an effort to reach out and check in on their loved ones. If you find that you’re always the one initiating contact, it might be time to reconsider the authenticity of that person.

8) They’re full of excuses

Fake people have a knack for making excuses. Whether it’s for their behavior, their lack of commitment, or their failure to deliver on promises, they always seem to have a reason or justification.

Instead of owning up to their mistakes and taking responsibility, they’ll often deflect blame onto others or circumstances. This behavior can be frustrating and can cause strain in relationships.

Authentic people, on the other hand, are willing to admit when they’ve made a mistake. They don’t rely on excuses, instead they take responsibility for their actions and strive to learn and grow from their mistakes.

9) They only care about themselves

The most telling sign of a fake person, according to psychology, is their self-centeredness. They put their needs and wants above everyone else’s, often at the expense of others.

They’re typically uninterested in your life unless it benefits them in some way. Conversations with them often revolve around their achievements, their problems, their interests, leaving little room for you.

This lack of interest and empathy towards others is a clear indication of a fake person. Genuine people care about those around them and show interest in their lives, experiences, and feelings. They understand that relationships are about give and take, not just about serving their own needs.

Final thoughts: It’s about authenticity

Understanding the signs of a fake person is fundamentally about understanding authenticity. Authenticity, as defined by psychologists, is about owning one’s personal experiences, be it thoughts, emotions, needs, preferences, or beliefs.

People who lack authenticity often resort to pretense and façade, which can lead to the signs we’ve discussed.

Remember, everyone has off days and may exhibit some of these traits from time to time. It’s a consistent pattern that’s concerning.

Carl Jung, the Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who founded analytical psychology once said, “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” This quote emphasizes the importance of being genuine and true to oneself.

As we navigate our relationships and social circles, let’s strive for authenticity in ourselves and seek it in others. It’s a challenging journey, but a rewarding one that leads to more fulfilling and genuine connections.