Online Chat Safety Tips

Chat rooms are a great way to meet people, and a few simple habits keep the experience safe and fun.

Protect your personal information

• Use a nickname that does not include your real name or birth year.
• Do not share your phone number, address, school, college or workplace with people you just met.
• Never share passwords, OTP codes, UPI PINs, or bank and card details — no genuine person needs them.

Using voice and webcam safely

• Only allow microphone and camera when you want to use them; you can revoke permission from your browser at any time.
• Check your background for anything that reveals your location or identity.
• Assume anything you show on camera could be recorded. Never share intimate images — they are the main tool of sextortion scams.

Recognise scams

• Someone who quickly professes love, avoids video calls, or tells a sad story that ends in a request for money.
• “Investment”, crypto or trading tips from strangers.
• Links to download apps or “verify” your account.

If something goes wrong

• Stop replying, block the user and use the report button.
• Keep screenshots as evidence.
• In India, report cyber crime at cybercrime.gov.in or call the helpline 1930. Elsewhere, contact your local police.
• Talk to someone you trust. It is never your fault if someone tries to exploit you.

Meeting a chat friend in person

• Meet in a busy public place during the day.
• Tell a friend or family member where you are going and share your live location with them.
• Arrange your own transport and leave if you feel uncomfortable.

Questions people ask

Tap a question to see the answer.

What should I never share in a chat room?

Your phone number, home address, school or workplace, passwords, OTP codes, bank or card details, and private photos.

What do I do if someone threatens me?

Stop replying, take screenshots, block and report the user, and contact local police or the national cyber crime portal (cybercrime.gov.in, helpline 1930 in India) if you feel unsafe.

How can I spot a scammer?

Scammers often move fast, claim strong feelings, avoid video calls, tell sad stories and eventually ask for money, gift cards or 'investments'.