How to stay safe when chatting with strangers online

Before you start: decide what you are comfortable with

Before you press Start, decide the limits you will keep to. Are you happy to talk about your day, your music taste, or your travel plans? Would you be comfortable sharing a photo? Most people find it easier to stay safe when they have already decided the answers, because they do not have to make the choice under pressure.

It also helps to remember that a random chat is an entertainment service. The person you are matched with is a stranger, and you cannot verify their age, location, or intentions. Keeping that in mind makes it easier to stay relaxed while staying careful.

Protect your personal details

Treat your full name, home address, school or workplace, phone number, email address, and social media handles as private. A stranger does not need any of them to have a good conversation. If you notice yourself about to type one of them, stop and ask yourself why the other person needs it. In most cases they do not.

Be careful with photos as well. A picture can reveal far more than you intended, such as the street you live on, the building you work in, or the people you spend time with. If someone asks for photos, especially private ones, the safest answer is no, and you are allowed to leave the chat.

Watch for pressure and manipulation

Some people try to rush a conversation. They may declare strong feelings very quickly, ask you to move to another app, or ask you to keep the chat secret. Each of these is a reason to slow down. A friendly conversation does not need secrecy or urgency.

You are always allowed to end a conversation. Press Next or Stop and you are paired with someone else. If a stranger is rude, pushy, or asks you to do something you do not want to do, leave the chat. If the behaviour breaks our rules, press Report so the lines can be reviewed.

Never send money or financial details

Requests for money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, bank details, or card numbers are the most common warning sign of a scam. Never pay anyone you met in a chat, however urgent or emotional the story sounds. Real friendships do not require you to send money to prove anything.

If you have already shared financial details with someone, contact your bank straight away, and report the situation to the official fraud service in your country.

If you want to meet in person

Some conversations turn into a wish to meet. Take your time. Talk for a while first, and check whether the other person is consistent in what they say. When you do meet, choose a busy public place, tell a trusted friend where you are going and when you expect to be back, arrange your own transport, and do not share your home address until you feel completely comfortable.

Trust your instincts throughout. If something feels wrong, you do not need a reason to stop, and you should never feel pressured to continue.

After the chat

When a conversation ends, take a moment to notice how you feel. If you feel uncomfortable, talk to someone you trust, and use the Report button if the other person broke the rules. If you are struggling with stress or loneliness, reach out to a friend, a doctor, or a local support service. A random chat can be a fun break, but it is not a replacement for real support.