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Stop Responding
You don’t have to be polite if something feels wrong, secret, or urgent.
I am:
GUIDE · ABOUT 8 MIN.
Unknown Contact
Protecting personal information, recognizing warning signs, and asking for help in time.
Outcome: A clear plan for unknown messages, pressure, image requests, and meetings.
For children, teens, parents, and caregiversLast reviewed: 2026-07-14
Not every stranger online has bad intentions.
However, it's important to approach new contacts with caution. People can pretend to be someone else by using a fake age, name, or stolen pictures.
Some problematic contacts may start off friendly but later become personal, secretive, or pushy.
This guide will help you recognize warning signs, set boundaries, and seek support.
What is an unknown online contact?
An unknown contact isn't just a complete stranger. It can also include someone like:
- someone your child only knows from a game
- someone who follows them through mutual friends
- someone who claims to attend the same school
- someone who writes in a group or server
- someone who imitates a well-known profile
- someone who claims to be an influencer, supporter, or moderator
- someone who shares very little verifiable information about themselves
- someone who is already referred to as a 'friend' online but has never been reliably identified
Shared interests, a similar age, or a friendly profile do not prove that the identity is real.
When a Contact Becomes Uncomfortable
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Don’t Share Personal Information
Never share your address, school, phone number, passwords, codes, pictures, or location.
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Don’t Send More Pictures or Videos
This includes sending them to calm the person down or to stop a threat.
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Talk to a Trusted Adult
Show the situation to an adult you trust.
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Document the Information
If it’s safe, keep a record of the profile name, link, messages, date, and demands.
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Block and Report
After securing important information, block and report the account on the platform.
For Parents and Caregivers
The first reaction influences whether the child shares everything and seeks help again later.
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Stay Calm
Avoid showing panic, anger, or blame.
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Thank Them
Make it clear that sharing the situation is the right thing to do and is welcome.
“Thank you for showing me this. You're not to blame. We'll solve this together.”
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Don’t Punish Immediately
Automatically taking away devices can lead to hiding problems in the future.
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Clarify the Situation
Ask calm, specific questions — without interrogation.
- Where did the contact start?
- How long has it been going on?
- What does the person know about the child?
- Have they asked for pictures, money, or codes?
- Are there any secrets, threats, or pressure?
- Was a meeting suggested?
- Has the contact moved to other platforms?
- Has anything already been shared?
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Secure Information
Document profiles, usernames, links, messages, demands, data, and any reports made.
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Get Appropriate Help
Use platform reporting, official reporting channels, child protection services, and if necessary, the police.
Recognizing Warning Signs
One single sign doesn't automatically mean there's a dangerous intention. However, multiple warning signs or a growing shift in boundaries should be taken seriously.
Mark the relevant signals — without entering sensitive details.
Identity
Trust and Attention
Secrecy
Gifts and Rewards
Testing Boundaries
Control and Pressure
Offline Contact
What Stays Private?
Don't Share
- full name
- home address
- phone number
- school and grade
- daily routes
- live location
- passwords
- verification codes
- payment information
- identification documents
- intimate or private pictures
- detailed travel plans
Check with an adult first
- personal photo
- voice
- video chat
- username on another platform
- social media profile
- sports club
- approximate city
- meeting or event
Mostly Uncritical
- publicly known game information
- general hobbies without location details
- fictional names
- neutral questions about the game
- no identifying details
Could this information help someone find, contact, or pressure you?
Virtual items, money, skins, or special attention can feel nice. However, they can also be used to create obligation or guilt.
A gift never obligates you to share pictures, personal information, conversations, or meet-ups.
- Why does the person want to give a gift?
- Is there an expectation of something in return?
- Can the gift be shown to parents?
- Is there a request for secrecy?
- How does the person react to a no?
If Something Has Already Been Shared
Your Contact Safety Plan
Situation
Already Shared (Categories)
- Warning Signs
- —
- Do it now
- Stop replying
- Do not send private information
- Do not send more images or videos
- Get a trusted person
- Preserve information
- Block and report
- Recommended Guides
- Unknown contactApp safety guides
- Next Review
Finding Professional Help
Find independent helplines, child protection services, and official reporting agencies for your country.
Related Resources
Sextortion
Don't pay. Don't send more pictures. Get help — without feeling guilty.
Conversation Guides
How to start, what to ask, what to avoid — and how to respond to anger, silence, or shame.
Gaming Safety
Review voice chat, contacts, purchases, fairness, and safe routines together.
App Safety Guides
Privacy, messaging, contacts, purchases, and family features — explained step by step for the most important apps.
Cyberbullying
Immediate steps for kids and teens — and calm, clear support for parents.
Hacked Account
Recover access, log out devices, secure accounts, and limit damage.
Scams
Recognize pressure, verify identities, and protect money, accounts, and personal data.
Help Lines
International helplines and official resources — filter by country.
This guide provides general educational and organizational support. It does not replace professional child protection, legal, psychological, or emergency advice.