Can a scammer fake a video call?

Warning signs

• Lips do not match the audio, or there is no sound
• The person never reacts to what you say in real time
• The video loops or freezes at the same moments
• They quickly move you to another app
• They ask for money, gift cards or intimate images

Simple checks

• Ask them to wave or touch their nose
• Ask a question about something just said
• Never send money to someone you met online

Stay safe on camera

• Never share your full name, address, workplace or social media handles with strangers.
• Assume anything shown on camera can be recorded by the other person.
• Leave and report immediately if someone appears to be under 18 or pressures you.
• Never send money or gift cards to someone you met on a video chat.

Key takeaways

• Check costs and limits before sharing payment details.
• Protect personal information and assume you can be recorded.
• Use report and block tools; they protect other users too.
• Test your camera and microphone before your first chat.

Before your next chat

Run our free camera and microphone test so you know your setup works, open the platform's pricing page so there are no surprises, and find the report button before you press start. If you are still choosing a platform, the directory and side-by-side comparisons show sourced details on guest access, costs and gender filters for each service, with the date we checked them.

Remember that prices, filters and rules on video chat platforms change often. When a platform's own pages disagree with what you read anywhere else, including here, the platform's current terms are what apply to you.

About this guide

This guide is written by the FlirtationHub editorial team for adults aged 18 and over. It contains general advice and does not rank specific platforms. Where platform-specific details are mentioned, they come from the platform's own website or our dated tests. We update guides when common practices, prices or laws change.

Frequently asked questions