What not to tell strangers online?
The internet offers an incredible platform for connecting with people from around the world, but it also presents risks. Whether you're chatting in an online community, on social media, or using messaging platforms, it’s important to be cautious about what personal information you share with strangers online. Even though many people online may appear friendly and trustworthy, you can never be completely sure of their intentions.
To help protect your privacy, safety, and peace of mind, here are some key things not to tell strangers online.
1. Full Name and Personal Identifiers
One of the first things you should avoid sharing with strangers online is your full name.
Why?
Your name is a personal identifier, and revealing it can lead to unwanted consequences. By knowing your full name, someone could potentially find additional information about you through social media profiles, public records, or even reverse searches. This opens the door to stalking, identity theft, or other forms of cybercrime.
What to do instead:
- Use a pseudonym or just your first name or initials if you want to stay anonymous.
- Be careful when posting on social media or in public forums, even if it's seemingly harmless.
2. Home Address
Sharing your home address with strangers online is a major security risk.
Why?
A stranger knowing where you live can lead to serious threats. They could potentially stalk you, show up at your home, or even steal your identity or personal belongings. Home addresses are also a crucial piece of information for identity thieves or scammers.
What to do instead:
- Never share your full home address, even in private messages.
- If you're selling something or arranging to meet someone, always meet in a public space.
3. Phone Number
Your phone number can easily be used for many purposes, including spam calls, identity theft, or even malicious activities like doxxing (publishing your private details online).
Why?
When someone has your phone number, they can track down your location, hack your accounts, or even sign you up for unwanted services. Additionally, phone numbers are often linked to online services, and sharing it could give someone access to your accounts if they can bypass security measures.
What to do instead:
- Share your number only with people you trust and only when necessary.
- Consider using a temporary phone number or a texting app if you're uncomfortable sharing your real one.
4. Financial Information (Bank Account or Credit Card Numbers)
Under no circumstances should you share your bank account, credit card numbers, or any other financial details with strangers online.
Why?
Cybercriminals are always on the lookout for ways to steal money, and sharing your financial information makes you a target for fraud, scams, or identity theft. Even seemingly innocent requests from strangers for money can lead to dangerous situations.
What to do instead:
- Only share financial information with trusted, secure websites or services.
- If you must make an online purchase, make sure the website is reputable and uses secure payment methods (e.g., PayPal or encrypted payment gateways).
5. Social Security Number (SSN)
Your Social Security number (or equivalent in other countries) is one of the most sensitive pieces of personal information.
Why?
With your SSN, someone can open credit accounts in your name, file taxes fraudulently, or even steal your identity. It’s essential to keep this number private and secure at all times.
What to do instead:
- Never share your SSN with strangers online unless you’re sure about the legitimacy of the request (e.g., a trusted government agency or tax service).
- Avoid storing sensitive information like your SSN on your computer or in online files unless encrypted.
6. Location Information
While it’s common to share your location on social media or in casual conversations, it's important to avoid revealing your precise location to strangers.
Why?
Knowing your location can make you vulnerable to stalkers, robbers, or even physical harm. Some people use location data to track your movements and learn about your routine.
What to do instead:
- Avoid sharing your exact location, especially if it’s in real-time (e.g., when you're at home, at work, or out in public).
- Use location-sharing features only with trusted people or in secure, private settings.
7. Passwords or Login Information
Never share your passwords or login credentials with anyone, even if they claim to be someone you know or trust.
Why?
Passwords give people access to your personal accounts, emails, bank accounts, and social media profiles. If a stranger gets access to these, they could use your identity, steal your money, or spread malicious content in your name.
What to do instead:
- Use a password manager to generate and store complex, unique passwords for each account.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of protection.
8. Sensitive Personal Details (Family, Work, or Health Information)
Discussing deeply personal matters with strangers online, such as family problems, health issues, or work-related concerns, can lead to complications.
Why?
Strangers may use this personal information to manipulate or exploit you. They may pretend to sympathize or offer advice, but their real intention could be to gain your trust or take advantage of your situation.
What to do instead:
- Keep discussions about sensitive personal matters for trusted friends, family members, or professionals who are in a position to help.
- If someone online is asking for this kind of information, be wary of their motives.
9. Embarrassing or Compromising Photos or Videos
Sending intimate or compromising photos and videos can have significant consequences. While you may trust the person you're chatting with, once these images are sent, they can be shared with others or used against you.
Why?
Once something is shared online, you lose control over it. What seems like a private or playful exchange can quickly turn into blackmail, humiliation, or online harassment.
What to do instead:
- Think twice before sending any photos or videos that could be embarrassing or compromising.
- Use caution with images you share online, especially if you're not fully aware of the recipient's intentions.
10. Plans to Meet in Person
If you're chatting with someone online whom you don’t know personally, you should be very careful about making plans to meet them in real life.
Why?
Meeting strangers from the internet can expose you to significant risks, including physical harm, robbery, or worse. It's easy for someone to mislead you about their identity or intentions.
What to do instead:
- Always meet in a public place if you do decide to meet a stranger in person, and let someone close to you know your plans.
- Take things slowly—don’t feel pressured into meeting up if you're not comfortable.
General Guidelines for Chatting Safely with Strangers
- Trust Your Instincts: If something doesn’t feel right or someone is making you uncomfortable, it’s okay to stop the conversation and block them.
- Use Reputable Platforms: Stick to well-known platforms that have safety features, like reporting tools and privacy controls.
- Educate Yourself: Stay informed about common online scams, phishing attempts, and other fraudulent activities to recognize potential threats.
- Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries in online conversations, and don’t feel obligated to share information just because someone else is.
Conclusion: Protecting Yourself in Online Conversations
While chatting with strangers online can be fun and rewarding, it’s essential to prioritize your safety and privacy. By avoiding sharing sensitive personal information such as your full name, address, phone number, and financial details, you can protect yourself from potential harm. Always be cautious and follow best practices for online security, and remember that not everyone online has good intentions. Trust your instincts, and if something feels off, it’s okay to end the conversation and move on.