What to do when a stranger is rude, creepy or pushy

Most people you meet in an anonymous chat are just looking for a decent conversation. But every now and then you’ll get someone who is rude, creepy, or won’t take no for an answer. Here is how to handle it without letting it ruin your day.

You don’t owe anyone a conversation

This is the most important rule, so it comes first. You can leave any chat, at any moment, for any reason, without explaining yourself. You don’t need to be polite to someone who is being disrespectful, and you don’t need to “give them a chance”. Tap Next and they are gone.

Recognise the patterns early

Some warning signs show up in the first few messages:

They start sexual or ask for your body details before any normal conversation.
They demand personal information: your age, city, college, workplace, photos, or social media.
They push to move to another app: WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram or Snapchat.
They get angry when you set a boundary, or keep repeating a request after you’ve said no.
They try to make you feel guilty for not answering (“why are you so rude?”, “I thought you were nice”).
Their story keeps changing, or everything they say sounds a little too perfect.

One of these alone might be innocent. Two or more usually means it’s time to leave.

What to do, step by step

Don’t argue. Arguing gives a troll exactly what they want: attention and a reaction.
Report it if they broke the rules. Tap the menu at the top of the chat and choose Report. Pick a reason and you’re done: it ends the chat immediately, and Chatavi will never match the two of you again.
Otherwise, just tap Next. Not every bad chat needs a report. Boring, awkward or mildly rude is fine to simply skip.
Take a short break if you need one. A bad conversation can leave a sour feeling. Step away for a few minutes before starting the next chat.

When should you report?

Report anyone who:

sends sexual messages you didn’t want, or continues after you said no
insults, threatens or bullies you, or attacks your religion, caste, gender, region or sexuality
asks for money, UPI payments, OTPs or personal details
says or suggests they are under 18
promotes products, links or other apps

Reports are reviewed, and people who break the rules are banned for an hour, then a day, then a week, and then permanently if they keep doing it.

What reporting does, and doesn’t, do

When you report, a copy of the last part of that conversation is kept for up to 30 days so it can be reviewed. The person you reported is not told who you are (they never knew in the first place), and they are not told that you reported them; the chat simply ends.

Protect your peace

Keep personal details out of chats, even with people who seem friendly. See our guide on staying safe while chatting anonymously.
Use interest tags to find people who want to talk about the same things you do. People matched on a shared interest tend to have better conversations.
Remember that it isn’t about you. People who behave badly with strangers do it to everyone. Their behaviour says nothing about your worth.

If a conversation leaves you genuinely shaken, or someone threatens you, talk to someone you trust. For cyber crime, call 1930 or visit cybercrime.gov.in. If you’re feeling low, Tele-MANAS (14416) is free, confidential and open 24×7.