How to Avoid Scams When Making Friends Online
Making friends online can be an amazing experience—but it's important to stay alert. This guide will help you recognize warning signs, protect your personal information, and stay safe while connecting with new people.
The 60-second safety checklist
Before you start chatting with someone new, keep these essentials in mind:
Never share your full name, address, school, or workplace early on.
Take your time—there's no rush to share personal details.
Keep conversations on the app until you've built real trust.
Watch for anyone who asks for money, gift cards, or financial help.
Be cautious if someone pressures you to move to another platform quickly.
Trust your gut—if something feels off, it probably is.
Don't share passwords, even with people you trust.
Use the block and report tools if you feel uncomfortable.
Tell a trusted adult if someone makes you feel unsafe.
Remember: a real friend won't pressure you or make you feel bad.
Common red flags to watch for
Not everyone online has good intentions. Here are some warning signs that someone may not be who they claim to be:
Asking for money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
Pressuring you to move off the app to text, Snapchat, or other platforms.
Inconsistent stories—details that don't add up over time.
Rushing the friendship or making big declarations early on.
Asking for personal photos or sensitive information as 'proof' of trust.
Wanting to keep your friendship a secret from your family or friends.
Getting angry or guilt-tripping you when you set boundaries.
Avoiding video calls or always having excuses not to show their face.
Sharing a sob story and quickly asking for help or money.
Making you feel like you owe them something.
How to check if someone is real (without oversharing)
You can get a sense of whether someone is genuine without putting yourself at risk. Here's how to verify trust safely:
scheduleTake your time
Real friendships develop gradually. Pay attention to whether their stories stay consistent over days and weeks.
chatNotice how they communicate
Do they listen and respond thoughtfully? Or do they steer every conversation toward personal topics or requests?
do_not_disturbDon't prove yourself by oversharing
Never share personal photos, IDs, or private details to "prove" you're real. A genuine friend won't demand proof in exchange for trust.
psychologyTrust your instincts
If something feels wrong, it probably is. You don't need to justify why you're ending a conversation.
What to do if you suspect a scam
If a conversation doesn't feel right, take these steps to protect yourself:
Stop replying
You don't owe anyone an explanation. It's okay to simply stop responding.
Block and report
Use the in-app tools to block the person and submit a report. This helps keep others safe too.
Never send money
No matter what story they tell, do not send money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or any form of payment.
Talk to a trusted adult
If you're under 18, tell a parent, teacher, or school counselor. They can help you figure out next steps.
Safer ways to make friends online
Connecting with others online can be safe and rewarding when you use platforms that prioritize your wellbeing. Zupp is designed with safety in mind, including age separation and easy-to-use blocking and reporting tools.