I keep seeing different opinions on this so I wanted to get some real firsthand experiences. Message encryption is really the baseline I look for in any chat app now. It's just common sense.
Use a Google Voice number instead of your real number when you're still getting to know someone. The Telegram adult communities are hit or miss but the good ones are extremely active.
Public first meetings are non-negotiable. Coffee shop, bar, food court — somewhere visible.
A few things worth keeping in mind:
- Never share your real last name, address, or workplace before meeting someone in person.
- Reverse image search is your best friend for vetting profile photos quickly.
- Most scams follow predictable patterns — quick emotional escalation and requests for money or gift cards.