What should I never tell someone I met online?

✓ Accepted answer

Never share your full home address, Social Security number, or bank account details with anyone you have only met online.

• Withhold sensitive identifiers: Hold back your full legal name, home address, phone number, and Social Security number until you have met the person in person and verified their identity through a trusted friend or family member.
• Protect financial assets: Never send money, gift cards, or wire transfers, regardless of how urgent or emotional their stated need may be. The CDC and FTC regularly warn that romance scams often involve fake emergencies designed to bypass your financial judgment.
• Limit medical data: Avoid sharing detailed medical histories or medication lists, as scammers may use this information to build a false sense of intimacy or to blackmail you later.
• Beware of video impersonators: Do not trust a video call solely; sophisticated scammers can use deep-fake technology or stolen footage. Verify their identity by asking them to perform a specific action in real-time, such as raising a hand or showing an ID.
• Involve a trusted ally: Have a family member or friend review conversations periodically. They can spot red flags you might miss due to emotional attachment, and their objective perspective is a vital safety layer.

admin · 2026-10-02 20:01:14