How do you protect your privacy on random video chat?
The single most important rule is to keep identifying information to yourself. A stranger only needs a few small details to find you online or offline.
- Use a first name or nickname only. Never give your full name.
- Keep your location vague. “Europe” or a large city is fine; your street, workplace or school is not.
- Don’t swap social media or phone numbers with someone you have just met. They can be used to find much more about you.
- Never share passwords, codes, bank or card details — no legitimate person on a video chat needs them.
How do you control what's on camera?
Your background can reveal more than you think. Before you start, take a quick look at what the camera sees.
- Check your background for mail, documents, photos, a window with a recognisable view or anything with your name on it.
- Assume you can be recorded. Screen recording is easy and invisible to you. Only show what you would be comfortable with being saved.
- Manage camera permissions. In your browser, you can allow or block the camera per website and revoke access at any time. Our camera guide shows where to find these settings.
What are the warning signs of a scam?
Most scams on video chat follow a few predictable patterns. Be cautious if someone:
| Red flag | What it often means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Asks for money, gifts or crypto | A financial scam, often with a sad or urgent story | Never send money; leave the chat |
| Pushes you to another app | Moving you away from the platform's rules and reporting | Decline and stay where you are |
| Sends links or files | Phishing or malware | Don't click or download |
| Their camera “doesn't work” | A pre-recorded video or fake profile | Be sceptical; move on |
| Asks very personal questions fast | Information gathering | Keep answers vague |
- Trust the pattern, not the story. Scammers are often friendly and convincing. If the conversation turns to money, it is a scam.
What should you do if someone threatens to share images of you?
Sextortion is when someone threatens to share intimate images or recordings unless you pay or do something. It is a crime, and it is never your fault.
- Don’t pay. Paying rarely ends the threats and often leads to more demands.
- Stop responding and keep evidence. Save usernames, messages and screenshots, then block the person. Report it to the platform and to your local police.
If you are worried an intimate image of you may be shared, the free StopNCII.org tool helps adults prevent non-consensual intimate images from being shared on participating platforms.
When should you leave a conversation?
Whenever you want. That is one of the best things about random video chat.
- Leave at the first bad feeling. You never owe a stranger a reason, a goodbye or a second chance.
- Report serious abuse. Harassment, threats, exploitation or anyone who appears to be under 18 should be reported. On JerkCall, contact jerkcall@gmail.com. If someone is in immediate danger, contact your local emergency services.
Everyone on JerkCall is expected to follow our community guidelines.
Quick safety checklist
- Nickname only — no full name.
- Background checked — nothing identifying in view.
- No social media, phone numbers or links exchanged.
- No money, gifts, crypto or codes — ever.
- Leave anything that feels wrong, and report abuse.
