What should I check before starting a video chat?

Before starting, check your camera privacy settings, VPN status, background visibility, and the platform's safety features. Make sure you are comfortable with what will be visible.

How do I protect my privacy on video chat?

Use a VPN to hide your IP address, position your camera to minimize personal details in view, enable camera cover when not chatting, and avoid sharing identifying information.

What should I not share on video chat?

Do not share your home address, phone number, financial information, passwords, workplace details, or anything else that could be used to identify or locate you.

What are red flags on video chat?

Red flags include requests for personal information early in conversation, pressure to move to another platform, requests for money, and inappropriate behavior. Use the skip button and report if needed.

Video Chat Safety Checklist

Run through this checklist before your next video chat session to ensure you are set up safely. Good safety habits take seconds to check and can protect you from most common risks.

Before You Start

VPN Status

Confirm your VPN is connected if you use one. A VPN hides your real IP address from the platform and other users.

✓ VPN connected and active
○ VPN server location is appropriate
○ No IP leaks detected

Camera Cover

Ensure you have physical or software camera protection when not actively chatting.

○ Physical webcam cover available
○ Camera only enabled during active chat
○ Other apps not using camera

Privacy Settings

Check what your camera will capture and who can see it.

○ Background does not reveal personal info
○ No identifying items in camera view
○ Lighting is adequate but not revealing location

During Your Session

What Not to Share

Never share these during a video chat with strangers:

Personal contact info: Phone number, email, home address, workplace
Financial info: Credit card numbers, bank details, payment app handles
Account credentials: Passwords, PINs, security questions
Identifying details: Your daily routine, when your house is empty
Documents: Photos of ID, tickets, documents with barcodes

Remember: anything on your screen can be screen-grabbed by the other person.

After Your Session

If Something Felt Wrong

If you encountered inappropriate behavior or a scam attempt:

Use the skip-button to end the conversation immediately
File a report through the platform's report-system
Screenshot any evidence if you plan to report
Block the user if the platform allows it
If you shared personal info, monitor for signs of misuse

See our guide-staying-safe for more detailed guidance.

Platform-Specific Safety Features

Check these features on your platform before chatting:

Coomeet

Video verification, active AI moderation, 24/7 support, skip button

Chatrandom

Gender filter (premium), report button, block feature

Shagle

Gender filter, reverse chat option, report system

Ome.tv

Mobile app with safety features, report system, but minimal moderation

Red Flags to Watch For

End conversations immediately if you encounter:

Early personal info requests: "What's your number?" or "Where do you live?" within first minutes
Pressure to move platforms: "Let's switch to Hangouts" or similar requests early in conversation
Money requests: Any request for money, gifts, or payment for any reason
Inappropriate behavior: Exposure, sexual pressure, or harassment of any kind
Too-good-to-be-true offers: Romance scams, investment opportunities, or similar
Threats or intimidation: Any form of threat or coercive behavior

Use the skip button and report. You do not need to justify ending a conversation.

✓

Start with a Safe Platform

Coomeet's active moderation and verification make it the safest option. Full Coomeet review →

Frequently Asked Questions

A VPN adds privacy by hiding your IP address, but it is not strictly required. If you are concerned about privacy from your ISP or network observers, use a VPN. Some platforms block VPNs though.

Politely decline and consider ending the conversation. You do not owe anyone personal information. Use the skip button and report if the request is persistent or suspicious.

On moderated platforms like Coomeet, showing your face is generally safe. On unmoderated platforms, your face could be recorded without your knowledge. Use your best judgment based on the platform.

You cannot know. Anyone can use screen recording software to record your video feed without your knowledge. Be careful about what you show on camera. Screen grab guide →