7 Things You Should Never Tell a Stranger Online

Have you ever chatted with someone online and felt something was off, maybe they asked you a question that made you pause? In this guide on the 7 things you should never tell a stranger online, I’ll walk you through exactly what you should keep private, why it matters, and how I’ve seen things go wrong when people didn’t.

This guide is for anyone new to online chats, social media groups, or marketplaces who wants to stay safe without needing to be a tech expert. We’ll keep things simple, practical, and focus on real situations you might actually face.

1. Don’t Share Your Full Name Too Quickly

A friend once told me she joined a hobby group on Facebook. She shared her full name in a comment without thinking twice. Within days, someone messaged her pretending to be from her bank, and they knew her name.

Your name might feel harmless, but online, it’s the first breadcrumb scammers need. They can search it, find your social profiles, and match them with other details you post. If you have to introduce yourself online, just use your first name or a username, especially in public groups.

2. Be Careful When Saying Where You Live

A neighbor once posted a photo of his new car in our local buy-sell group. The background of the picture clearly showed the street sign. A week later, his car was scratched, and some items were stolen from the driveway. Coincidence? Maybe. But posting your location publicly is like putting your address on a notice board for strangers.

Even saying “I live near the park on 5th Avenue” can narrow it down for someone determined. If you must share location details (for deliveries or meet-ups), send them privately and only to trusted contacts.

3. Avoid Posting Your Travel Plans in Advance

I once saw a couple post, “Finally heading to Bali for 10 days!” with airport selfies. They had no idea that one of their casual online “friends” was keeping an eye on their updates. By the time they returned, their garden shed had been broken into.

Posting about trips before or during travel is like telling strangers, “My house is empty, come by anytime.” Share the fun memories after you’re back, it’s safer, and you still get to show everyone your adventures.

4. Think Twice Before Talking About Your Job

A co-worker of mine once posted a picture of her office desk online. The photo included her company logo and a document with visible text in the background. Weeks later, she got a strange call from someone pretending to be in our IT department, asking for her email password “to fix a security issue.”

Fraudsters love workplace info because it helps them craft believable scams. Keep your job title, office location, and any internal details out of public conversations unless it’s for official, company-approved posts.

5. Check Your Photos for Hidden Details

One time, a friend posted a picture of her kids playing in the front yard. She didn’t notice the house number on the wall behind them. Someone in a local forum later mentioned her street, proving they could piece it together from just one photo.

Photos can give away your location, your daily routine, or even security details around your home. Before you share, scan every corner of the image for reflections, background signs, or documents on a table, as they can all reveal more than you think.

6. Never Share Your Bank or Payment Info

I once received an email from someone I’d met in a forum, asking me to “test” a payment transfer. They even offered to send me a small amount first to prove they were real. It turned out they were phishing for my banking app login.

Your financial details, account numbers, card numbers, and screenshots of payment transactions should never be shared publicly or with strangers in private messages. Even partial numbers can help scammers trick you or your bank.

7. Don’t Give Away Password Clues

Years ago, I saw someone in a group proudly sharing their pet’s name along with the hashtag #MyPassword. They meant it as a joke, but I couldn’t help thinking that many people do use their pet’s name as a password or security answer.

Anything that hints at your security questions, your first school, your mother’s maiden name, and your birth city is risky. Keep that trivia to yourself, and use strong, random passwords that no one could guess.

Why These Risks Feel So Real

In real life, you can see someone’s body language and judge their intentions. Online, people can hide behind fake photos, stolen names, and convincing stories. I’ve seen strangers ask “innocent” questions that were clearly designed to gather personal details.

It’s not about being paranoid, it’s about being prepared. If you treat every unknown contact as a potential risk, you give yourself more control over your privacy.

Practical Tips to Stay Safe

• Always use privacy settings to control who sees your posts, where available.
• Avoid tagging your current location on Instagram or other social media platforms.
• Keep personal and work accounts separate.
• Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
• Think before posting, would you tell this to someone you just met at a bus stop?

Final Thoughts

Every detail you share online is a piece of a bigger puzzle. Once a stranger has enough pieces, they can see the whole picture, and not in a good way. So, the next time someone online asks, “Where are you from?” or “When are you traveling?”  will you answer without thinking, or will you pause and protect your space?

FAQs

What is the most dangerous information to share online?

The most dangerous details include your full name, address, date of birth, financial information, and answers to security questions. Sharing these can lead to identity theft, fraud, or scams. Even small bits of info, when combined, help scammers build a detailed profile of you. It’s best to keep such personal details private and only share them in trusted, secure places.

Can someone steal my identity with my name and email?

While your name and email alone might not be enough to steal your identity, scammers can use them for phishing attacks and password reset attempts. These details let them send fake emails that look real, tricking you into giving more info. Always be cautious with emails asking for personal data, even if they seem genuine.

Is it safe to share pictures on public profiles?

Sharing pictures publicly is safe only if the images don’t reveal personal details like your address, workplace, or daily routines. Background signs, documents, or reflections can unintentionally share more than you want. Always check your photos carefully before posting and consider who can see them by adjusting your privacy settings.