Before you start
Anonymous chat can reduce profile pressure, but it does not make another person known or automatically safe. Pause before you share, and keep control of your pace.
- Keep identifying details private: do not share your full name, home address, live location, workplace, college, identity documents, passwords, OTPs or financial details.
- Use a separate chat mindset: assume photos, voice notes, backgrounds and personal stories can reveal more than you intend.
- Set one boundary early: it is fine to say “I don’t share personal contact details” or “I’m keeping this chat here.”
- Know the exit: you never owe someone a reply, a photo, a call or more time.
During a chat
- Keep the conversation in the app until trust has been earned over time.
- Be careful with unexpected links, QR codes, investment tips, “verification” requests and requests to move urgently to another platform.
- Use broad descriptions rather than exact routines, locations or identifying names.
- Do not share a screenshot of banking, travel, work or identity information.
- Trust discomfort. A conversation can be ended without explaining or negotiating.
For easy ways to start a conversation without oversharing, use the conversation starters guide.
Red flags
One unusual message is not proof of bad intent. A pattern of pressure is enough reason to leave.
- They rush intimacy, demand secrecy or make you feel guilty for setting a boundary.
- They ask for money, OTPs, account codes, gift cards, banking information or “small” emergency help.
- They pressure you for intimate images, a live video call, your location or a move to another app.
- They claim to be in danger, wealthy, famous, a government official or a platform representative to force a quick decision.
- They threaten to publish something, contact people you know or damage your reputation.
Read more about online friendship scams and what to do if someone threatens to leak photos.
If something goes wrong
- Stop engaging. Do not pay, send more content or share an OTP to “fix” a problem.
- Preserve what is safe to preserve. Note the account or chat reference, dates, times and threatening messages. Avoid downloading, forwarding or re-sharing illegal content.
- Report, block and leave. These are different actions: reporting asks a platform to review, blocking stops contact, and leaving ends a conversation.
- Tell someone you trust. Pressure works best when you feel isolated. A trusted person can help you decide the next step.
- Use official support if appropriate. Financial fraud, harassment and threats can need faster action outside the app.
Help in India
BeAnon is not an emergency service. If there is immediate danger, call 112. If money has been lost to cyber fraud, call 1930 as soon as possible.
The Government of India’s National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal accepts reports for cybercrime and provides a public online-safety guide. Its reporting guidance also explains the value of keeping relevant dates, messages and other evidence available. This page is general information, not legal advice.
When BeAnon is available
BeAnon is preparing to launch. The planned in-app controls are explained in the Safety Center: leave a conversation, block an account, and report a user or message for review. Feature availability may vary by platform.
“Anonymous” does not mean zero data or end-to-end encryption. See the Privacy Policy before deciding what to share.
Share the checklist, not private details
If this guide could help someone, send them this page. Do not ask them to send intimate images, passwords, OTPs or private evidence to you.