Staying safe

Almost everyone here just wants to practise a language. A few don't. Here's how to spot them, and what to do when you do.

The one rule

Never send money to someone you met on Talkabout, however good the reason sounds.

They ask for money
Money, crypto, gift cards or a payment code, whatever the reason. Nobody needs your money to practise a language with you.
There's a sudden emergency
A sick relative, a stuck parcel, a fee at customs, a ticket home. An emergency that only you can fix, and fast, is the oldest story there is.
They want to move to another app straight away
Pushing you to WhatsApp, Telegram or anywhere else after a few messages. Away from Talkabout, we can't see what happens or step in.
Big feelings, very fast
Declarations of love or talk of a future together after a handful of messages, often from someone who won't show their face on a video call.
A sure way to make money
A trading, crypto or investment opportunity, or an offer to teach you one. There's no such thing as a sure return, and this one is always a scam.
A link to log in or a code to pass on
Nobody here needs your password or a code you were sent by text. Sharing one hands over your account.

Keep chatting on Talkabout until you know someone. Photos and contact details open up once you've both been writing for a while, and that's on purpose.
Keep your address, workplace, ID documents and bank details to yourself.
If you meet a partner in person, meet somewhere public, tell a friend where you'll be and get there and back on your own.
Trust your gut. You don't owe anyone a reply, and you can end a chat whenever you like.

Stop replying. You don't owe anyone an explanation.
Report them from the chat, on the message or from the menu at the top. Reporting blocks them too, and we tell you what we decided.
If you've already sent money or shared a code, call your bank or change your password straight away, and report it to your local police.

Asking for money breaks rule 5 of our community guidelines.