How to chat safely with strangers online: 12 tips
Online chat is a great way to meet people from all over the world. These simple habits help you enjoy it safely.
- Keep your personal details private. Do not share your full name, home address, phone number, workplace or school with people you have just met. A nickname is enough.
- Never share passwords, OTP codes or card details. No real chat moderator, bank or company will ask for these in a chat. Anyone who does is trying to steal from you.
- Be careful with links and files. A link from a stranger can lead to a fake login page or a virus. If you did not expect it, do not open it.
- Do not send money or gift cards. Scams often begin with a sad story or an emergency. Do not send money to someone you have only met online, however kind they seem.
- Be wary of people who rush. If someone quickly says they love you, asks for secrets, or wants to move to another app straight away, slow down. Real friendships do not need a rush.
- Think before sending photos. Once a picture is sent, you cannot control where it goes. Do not send anything you would not want strangers to see.
- Check who you are talking to. A short voice note or a call can help show whether a person is who they say they are. If they always avoid it, be careful.
- Use block and report. On OurWorld Chat, tap the flag next to any message to report it, and block people from their profile. Reporting helps moderators protect everyone.
- Be careful about meeting in person. Meeting someone you met online carries real risk. If you ever do, choose a busy public place, tell someone you trust, and go yourself.
- Trust your feelings. If a chat makes you uncomfortable, you can leave at any time. You do not owe anyone an answer.
- Take breaks. Spending too long online can affect sleep and mood. Chat because you enjoy it, and step away when you do not.
- Adults only. OurWorld Chat is for people aged 18 and over. If you think someone is under 18, report them so a moderator can act.
How we keep OurWorld Chat safe
- Adults only (18+), with clear rules and no sexual content.
- Moderators who can mute, kick and ban.
- A report button on every message, in rooms and in private chats.
- Limits on spam and on links from new guests.
OurWorld Chat is for adults aged 18 and over. Rules · Privacy · FAQ · Tamil chat · Tamil Nadu chat · World chat