Safety · How-to
Online chat safety: 12 habits for chatting with people you've just met
Practical habits for chatting safely online in New Zealand: what not to share, spotting scams, blocking and reporting, and where to get help.
Chatroom · 29 October 2026 · 1 min read
Chatting with new people is half the fun of a chat room. These twelve habits keep it that way.
Protect your details
- Keep your full name, address, workplace and phone number to yourself until you really know someone. Your username and display name are enough.
- Use a username that isn't your real name. It's more 2004 anyway.
- Think before sharing photos. Once you send one, you can't control where it goes.
- Use a unique password for Chatroom, and never share it. We'll never ask for it.
Spot the scams
- Never send money to someone you've met online, whatever the story: a sick relative, a stuck bank transfer, a "sure thing" investment.
- Be wary of anyone who rushes you to another app, or gets very intense very quickly.
- Don't click links from strangers. Rooms block links for exactly this reason.
- Gift cards and crypto are red flags. No genuine person needs them from you.
Stay in control
- Block freely. Blocking on Chatroom is instant: they can't message you, see you online or appear in your rooms.
- Report anything off. Every name, message and photo has a Report button, and real moderators read them.
- Use Appear Offline when you want to look without being seen.
- Meeting someone in person? Meet somewhere public, tell a friend where you'll be, and get yourself there and back.
Where to get help in New Zealand
- Netsafe (online harm, scams and image-based abuse): netsafe.org.nz or 0508 638 723.
- Police: 105 for non-emergencies, 111 if you're in danger.
- On Chatroom: use Report, or our complaints page if you're not a member.
More in our safety page and community rules.