Talk safely: simple tips for callers and hosts

Most calls on Hello Fraands are friendly and simple. These tips help you keep it that way. Read them once. They take two minutes.

For everyone

• Keep personal things to yourself. Do not share your full name, address, workplace or social media.
• Never share OTP, UPI PIN, passwords or bank details. We will never ask for them. See How do I spot OTP and bank scams?.
• Do not swap numbers. Do not ask for or give a phone number, WhatsApp, Instagram or UPI ID.
• Do not plan to meet. Stay on the call.
• Do not record the other person.
• Press # if you feel unsafe. It ends the call, blocks the other person and reports the incident. You do not need to explain.

For callers

• Pick a host by mood, language and price. Look at the rating and the topics they agreed to talk about.
• Do not pay anyone outside the platform. Never send money to a host.
• Do not buy anything a host offers. Hosts must not sell products, tips or remedies.
• Remember that hosts are not doctors, lawyers, counsellors or financial advisors. This is not therapy.

For hosts

• You can decline any call. Press 2 when you hear the announcement.
• If a caller asks for your number or says anything that feels wrong, press #.
• Never ask a caller for money outside the platform. That can get you removed.
• Watch for OTP asks, “KYC update” tricks, sextortion attempts and emotional manipulation. Your training covers these.
• Do not act as a doctor, lawyer, counsellor, CA or financial advisor.

A quick example

Rohit is a caller. A host he just met asks, “Send me ₹500 on UPI and I will give you a lucky remedy.” Rohit says no and presses #. The call ends, the host is blocked and the incident is reported.

In an emergency

The platform does not handle emergencies.

• Danger: call 112.
• Mental-health support: call Tele-MANAS 14416. It is free and open 24x7.

More: talk safely guide and emergency help.