How do you know if you're talking to a fake person online?

So, I'm curious, how exactly does one discern whether they're conversing with a genuine individual or a fake persona on the internet? Are there any specific telltale signs or methods one can employ to safeguard against the risk of being deceived by a digital impostor? It seems like a prevalent concern in today's digital landscape, so I'm eager to learn more about the strategies and precautions that can help individuals navigate these potentially treacherous online encounters.