Most people you meet in a random chat simply want to talk. A small number, however, join with a plan: to get money, personal data or compromising images from you. The good news is that these scams almost always follow a recognisable pattern.

The usual script

  1. Fast flattery. The person is unusually charming and attentive from the first minute.
  2. A move to another app. They suggest continuing somewhere more private, away from the site.
  3. Escalation. The conversation turns intimate very quickly, and you are encouraged to show more on camera.
  4. The threat. They reveal that they recorded you and demand money, otherwise they will send the video to your friends or family.

This is called sextortion. The person on the other side is often not who they appear to be. Sometimes the video you see is pre-recorded.

Other common scams

  • Romance scams: a long, friendly conversation that eventually leads to a request for money for travel, a medical bill or an emergency.
  • Fake verification: someone asks you to "verify" yourself on another website, which then asks for card details.
  • Malicious links: a link to photos, a game or a profile that leads to a phishing page or a download.
  • Code requests: someone asks you to read out a code you just received by SMS. That code can give them access to your accounts.

Red flags to watch for

  • Their camera is "broken", but they want to see you.
  • Their video looks oddly smooth, loops, or does not react to what you say.
  • They are in a hurry to move the conversation elsewhere.
  • They ask for money, gift cards, cryptocurrency or codes, for any reason.

If someone threatens you

Stop replying and leave

End the chat and block the person on any other app you used. Do not negotiate.

Do not pay

Paying rarely makes the problem go away. It usually proves to the scammer that you will pay again.

Keep the evidence

Save screenshots of messages, usernames, payment details they gave you and the time of the chat.

Report it

Report the person on the platform where the threat happened and contact your local police. If it happened on Omegle Online, also write to us at [email protected].

If it happens on Omegle Online

  • In video chat: select Report, then Next or Stop to leave the conversation.
  • In text chat: press Esc or select the stop button to leave straight away.
  • Tell us: email [email protected] with the date, the time and any screenshots. People who break our rules are permanently banned.

For more everyday advice, read our random video chat safety guide.