Not all malicious people look cruel. Nope. Otherwise, it would be easy to stay away from them and I wouldn’t be writing this.
Some are friendly, charming, and know exactly what to say to earn your trust.
They seem thoughtful, supportive, and easy to like, until their true intentions slowly begin to surface.
I’ve crossed paths with enough people like this to know how convincing they can be. In the beginning, nothing feels off. But looking back, the warning signs were there all along.
That’s why learning to recognize them early matters. Based on both my personal and professional experience, these are the signs someone may be far more malicious than they appear, so you can protect your peace before they manipulate you, betray your trust, or turn your kindness against you.
Why listen to me? I’m Sira Mas and I’m a relationship coach. I write about self-improvement, love, dating and psychology. My work has been featured on large publications such as Mamamia, Plenty of Fish, Ladders, Entrepreneur and Thrive Global.
1. They Secretly Love Seeing Others Struggle
One of the clearest signs of a malicious person is that someone else’s struggles make them feel better about themselves.
They’ll never admit it, obviously, but another person’s failure, embarrassment, or hardship boosts their own sense of importance.
Instead of feeling empathy, they compare themselves and secretly enjoy being in the stronger position.
Sometimes they’ll even disguise their satisfaction as concern or offer help just to reinforce the idea that they’re doing better than everyone else.
Kind people don’t build their confidence on someone else’s pain. Malicious people do.
2. They Trash Talk Their Own Best Friends
It says everything about someone if they speak badly about the people closest to them.
If they’re calling their “best friend” a loser, crazy, or annoying behind their back, what do you think they’re saying (or will say) about you?
Do they criticize their best friend because they live with their parents because they can’t afford to move out yet?
People who gossip this way have no loyalty.
They pretend to be close, but they secretly compete, judge, and betray.
Real friendships are built on trust and protection. A good friend doesn’t go around talking behind your back, period.
So if the person in front of you can’t even respect the people they claim to love, you’re not an exception…and you’re just a placeholder until they find someone else to use.
3. They Lie
It doesn’t matter if it’s “just a little lie” or something major, when someone lies easily and often, run.
Lying isn’t just words coming out of someone’s mouth. But also what someone hides, twist, or conveniently forget.
These people lie to avoid accountability, to get what they want, or to make themselves look good.
And here’s the thing: once someone proves they’re willing to lie to you, it’s only a matter of time before they betray you too.
If they lie casually, they’ll hurt you casually. Never trust someone who plays fast and loose with the truth.
4. They Manipulate Everything
A manipulative person doesn’t ask for things, they twist situations to make you feel obligated.
For example, they’ll guilt-trip you, play the victim or act like they’re “doing everything” while you’re the one bending over backwards.
My advice if you’re dealing with a person who does this, is to watch how they tell stories.
Is it always someone else’s fault? Do they say things that make you second-guess yourself?
Do they manipulate you into doing or saying things you don’t want to do or say? That’s control.
They want power over your feelings, your decisions, and your reality. And once they see you fall for it, they’ll keep doing it until you’re drained.
5. They Only Show Up When They Need Something
These are the users.
They’re not in your life to connect, care, or support, you’re just a pit stop for whatever they need: attention, money, favors, a place to vent, or a temporary ego boost.
At first, they seem super friendly. But start saying “no,” and watch how fast they disappear.
You’re either useful to them or invisible. And the second you stop feeding their needs, they’ll ghost you, guilt you, or move on like you never mattered.
These people drain you. Don’t let them.
6. They Desperately Crave Attention (And Would Sell Their Soul for It)
You know the type.
They’ll say or do anything to be noticed. Post fake deep quotes online. Exaggerate stories.
Or act like victims. Or stir drama just to get reactions.
Their self-worth depends entirely on external validation, and if they’re not the center of attention, they feel irrelevant.
That’s dangerous, because they’ll throw anyone under the bus to stay in the spotlight.
These people aren’t driven by love or loyalty. They’re driven by ego and insecurity.
And if your downfall gets them more attention? They won’t even blink.
Recommended read: The signs your narcissistic relationship actually made you unshakable
7. They Create Problems So They Can “Save” the Day
Some malicious people deliberately create confusion, conflict, or unnecessary obstacles, then step in as the person who fixes everything.
Because it allows them to appear helpful, reliable, and indispensable while hiding the fact that they caused the problem in the first place. This tactic earns them gratitude, praise, and trust they haven’t genuinely earned.
Over time, people begin to rely on them without realizing they’re trapped in a cycle the malicious person keeps creating.
8. They Seem Charming at First…Until They Don’t Need to Be Charming With You
Based on my personal experience, this is the most dangerous kind. Because you don’t see it coming and you trust them when you shouldn’t.
(And you later regret it).
At first, they come off as charismatic, funny, confident. They’ll love-bomb you with compliments, act like they’re the only ones who really get you, and win everyone over.
But once they feel safe, or bored, that mask slips. Suddenly, they’re rude. Cold. Controlling.
They make snide comments. Dismiss your feelings. Push your boundaries.
You’ll be left wondering, “What happened?” What happened is: the real them showed up. And it’s not pretty.
The takeaway is really simple…and uncomfortable: If someone seems too perfect too quickly, watch what they do…not what they say.
The mask always cracks sooner or later.
Recommended read: 20 Calm and Confident Responses That Disarm Any Narcissist
9. They Never Take Responsibility for Anything
The malicious person blames their ex. Their childhood. Their boss. Their horoscope.
Anyone or anything but themselves.
If you call them out, they’ll deflect, attack, or play the victim.
They’ll say, “I was just joking,” “You’re so sensitive,” or “That’s not what I meant.”
You’ll find yourself constantly justifying your feelings, even when you know you’re right.
Here’s the truth: if someone never owns their behavior, they will never change.
You’ll always be the problem in their eyes, and they’ll gaslight you into believing it.
Accountability is a sign of maturity. And people who lack it? You can’t trust them with your peace.
10. They Have Zero Empathy (But They’re Great at Faking It)
These people are really good at pretending to care (when it’s convenient), but deep down, they don’t actually feel what others feel.
They might say “sorry” without meaning it, offer comfort that sounds robotic, or even cry on cue when it benefits them.
But when you really need them? They go cold.
You’ll notice they minimize your emotions, change the subject when you’re upset, or make everything about themselves.
Empathy is presence, care, and genuine concern (not just what someone tells you, anyone can learn a script by heart).
If it always feels fake, it probably is.
11. They Subtly Isolate You From Others
Malicious people rarely tell you outright to stop seeing your friends or family (of course, they’re malicious, not stupid).
So they chip away at your relationships little by little.
They question other people’s motives, point out flaws, create misunderstandings, or make you feel guilty for spending time with them.
Over time, you may find yourself pulling away from the people who once supported you without even realizing why. The more isolated you become, the easier you are to influence, manipulate, and control.
Healthy people encourage strong relationships. But malicious people see them as obstacles.
Final Thoughts
People like this don’t walk around with warning signs on their foreheads, but their behavior always gives them away if you’re paying attention.
The sooner you recognize these red flags, the faster you can protect your peace, energy, and trust.
You don’t owe anyone access to your life just because they seem nice at first.
Trust what people show you, not what they tell you.
And remember: someone who’s ugly on the inside will always reveal it, you just have to stop making excuses for them when they do.