How to stay safe on random video chat

Before you start

• Check your background. Mail, framed photos, a uniform on the door, a view from the window: anything that reveals where you live or work should be out of frame.
• Use headphones. They keep your conversation private and stop echo.
• Know where the buttons are. Find Next, Stop and Report before your first chat, so you can act in a second.
• Use a site that's adults only. Random video chat with strangers is not for anyone under 18. Look for a clear age rule and a Report button.

Protect your privacy

The single most useful rule: treat everything you say and show as public. Anyone can screen-record a video call, and no website can fully prevent it.

• Don't share your full name, address, school, workplace or phone number.
• Be careful with social media handles. One username can lead to your real name, friends and location.
• Don't show ID cards, bank cards, letters or anything with a barcode on camera.
• Turn off location sharing on photos if you ever send any (better: don't send any).

Red flags to watch for

Most strangers are just curious. These signs mean it's time to press Next:

• They push you to move to another app straight away.
• Their video looks pre-recorded, loops, or doesn't react to what you say.
• They ask for money, gift cards, crypto or "help" with a payment.
• They pressure you to undress or do something you're not comfortable with.
• They ask lots of questions about where you live, work or study.
• They seem to be under 18. End the chat and report it immediately.

Common scams

Blackmail (sextortion). Someone encourages you to get intimate on camera, secretly records it, then threatens to send it to your friends unless you pay. This is the most damaging scam on video chat. Read our full guide: video chat blackmail scams.

Romance and money scams. A friendly match becomes a "relationship" over days or weeks, then a sudden emergency needs money. Never send money to someone you've only met online.

Phishing links. "Click here to see my photos" or "verify your age on this site" links can steal logins or install malware. Don't click links from strangers.

If something goes wrong

1. End the chat. You never owe anyone a conversation.
2. Report it using the Report button, so moderators can act.
3. Don't engage further and don't pay if anyone threatens you.
4. Keep evidence: usernames, messages and the time it happened.
5. Get help. If you're in danger, contact local emergency services. For threats or blackmail, contact the police.

The 30-second checklist

• Background checked, headphones on.
• No real name, address, workplace or socials.
• Nothing on camera you wouldn't want recorded.
• No links, no apps, no money.
• Next, Stop and Report: you know where they are.

Want to look and sound good on camera too? Read our cam2cam guide, and see our Community Guidelines for the rules on Random Video Chat.

Frequently asked questions