10 Safety Tips For Video Chatting With Strangers Online

10 Safety Tips For Video Chatting With Strangers Online

The popularity of online chatting websites is on the surge. It wouldn't be wrong to say that video chatting platforms are the upcoming rage for the new generation. The number of users video chatting is enough evidence of that. 

A shift in Information and Communication Technologies has shifted people from social media platforms to video chats, which is not just limited to people you know but also to strangers. Although video chatting sounds fantastic, you need due diligence to stay safe. Because, without careful measures, you can open yourself up to several cyber risks and malicious threats. 

We’ve listed 10 safety tips for video chatting with strangers online. 

Never share your private information

The possibility of meeting a charming personality on a video chat is very likely. Plus, the whole setup of chatting online is accustomed to making you feel like you can talk your heart out.

However, you should be mindful of what you share online, even if the person you are talking to “seems” trustworthy. You never know who the other person is and what their motive might be. Remember that your chats and videos can be recorded, and any valid information you share, especially private information, can be used against you. 

Know that you can leave the chat

Several video chatting platforms do not come with a block option or chat moderators. Regardless, know that you can close the chat if someone makes you uncomfortable.  

People from all walks of life and mindsets are on video chats. While some may be well-mannered, others only care about what they get from the chat. When that is the case, close the chat without thinking much about the other person and report their misconduct if you have the option to do so. 

Keep your chat profile clean

Many online chatting platforms require you to build a profile before allowing you to use the platform, coupled with a verification process. Also, it is great to have an impressive chat profile if you are looking to find like-minded people to chat with online. 

Having an attractive profile is great; try to keep your private information private. Avoid putting information that may attract uncalled attention towards you. It would be best to keep your profile as general as possible with pictures that do not flaunt your body. 

Do not click on any random links

Sometimes, the person you are video chatting with might share a link with you, pretending to be something interesting, like a picture, article, etc. But, in most cases, such links are a trap that opens up the gateways to hacking your device. 

Hundreds of people have fallen prey to this scam, where they “trusted” the individual on the other side of the video chat and compromised their vital and private information. So, never ever click on any link shared on online video chats, no matter how tempting it looks. 

Be mindful of your background in the video chat

You may have never thought that there are people on the internet who can pick up many clues from your background to be used against you. Essentially, your background acts as a blueprint to relay the information you do not want to share with a stranger. 

When video chatting online, sit at a place with a blank background. For example, be against a plain wall or a door. It can also help to video record yourself in the background first and see if you can find your background to be video call friendly. 

Choose credible video chat platforms

With many online chatting platforms available, it is important to know the ins and outs of the platform you are leaning toward. First and foremost, avoid using sketchy platforms that have poor reviews. 

Secondly, look into fortes like; whether your chats can be downloaded or recorded, whether there is a verification process, whether you can proceed as a guest, do you have the option to narrow the users using filters, and how the website is using your data. 

Hide your geo-location

It is never recommended to have your location on when you are video chatting with strangers online. Plus, sharing your geographical location can put your privacy and safety at risk, whether you are chatting by text or video. 

Strangers can show up at your doorstep by knowing your location, as well as scam you in multiple ways with this information. 

Don’t share your itinerary

Sharing your schedule or itinerary with strangers online is a big No-No. There will be people who will, very casually, ask you about your future plan. For example, what are you doing tomorrow, where will you be, or what are you doing later that day? 

Initially, these questions may look harmless, but disclosing your plans can lead to a potential safety threat for you. So, even if you share what your day might look like, be mindful not to share any information that leaves traces. 

Trusting strangers is not the best idea

It is easy to drop your guard when you are chatting with someone you think you know well enough. However, in the flow of conversations, you can often end up unveiling things that may not play well to your advantage. 

Use your gut feeling or instincts to protect yourself from any future loss. It is always better to take precautions than look for a cure after incurring a loss. 

Detour temptations

If your conversations are going well, and you begin to develop feelings for the other person, then be sure to take a detour from temptations and not give in. 

There are tons of players, crooks, and catfish online lingering on video chat platforms who have mastered the art of smooth talking. While you may think they are not to be worried about, chances are that they are laying their trap to scam you. 

Take Away

We live in a society where online communications have become an integral part of our everyday life. As a result, you might not think twice before starting a conversation with a stranger on a video chat platform. 

A majority of people on video chats mean no harm, but there is a small percentage of people who can turn your life into a nightmare. Therefore, by being a little careful of the information you share online, you can save yourself from terrible situations.