Staying safe on video chat

Protect yourself

• Never share your address, workplace, phone number or payment details.
• Be wary of anyone who moves the conversation to another app quickly.
• Assume a call can be recorded by the other person.
• Never send money to someone you met in a chat.

Use the tools

• Skip, report and block anyone who makes you uncomfortable.
• Check a platform's moderation and age policy before using it.

Common scams on video chat

• Sextortion: someone encourages intimate video, records it and demands money. Never pay; stop contact and report.
• Money requests: sad stories, travel costs or gift card requests. Always a scam.
• Fake profiles and loops: pre-recorded video that does not react to you.
• Link bait: links to “better” sites or apps that install malware or take payment details.

If something goes wrong

Stop the conversation, do not pay, take screenshots of usernames and messages, and report it to the platform. In the US you can also report online crime to the FBI's IC3. If someone appears to be under 18, report it to the platform and to the NCMEC CyberTipline.

Protect your device

• Only grant camera and microphone permission to sites you trust.
• Keep your browser and operating system updated.
• Never install software a stranger asks you to install.

Your instincts matter

Trust your instincts: if a chat feels wrong, it is fine to leave without explanation.

Age and consent

Every platform we cover is for adults aged 18 and over. If you meet someone who appears to be a minor, end the chat immediately and report it. Consent matters on video as much as offline: stop when someone says no, and never pressure anyone to show more than they want to.

Frequently asked questions