MS SC562

Designates October 2023 as "Walker Montgomery National Catfishing Awareness Month in Mississippi" to raise awareness about catfishing victims on social media.

Defines catfishing as the deceptive practice of creating fake online identities using stolen images and information to scam, emotionally distress, or steal money and personal information from victims.

Notes that romance and confidence scams increased 22% by 2020, with catfishing becoming prevalent among both adults on dating platforms and teenagers.

Directs the State Board of Mental Health to develop a report for the 2024 Regular Session analyzing catfishing's effects on young adults in Mississippi and recommending corrective programs and legislation.

Requires the resolution to be presented to the family of Walker Montgomery and distributed to the State Board of Mental Health and Capitol Press Corps.