"How to Safely Make Friends Online"

By Alvie – Where friends are made; the #1 safest inclusive online platform to help you make friends.

Understanding Online Risks

The digital world presents unique challenges when making friends. Scammers, cyber bullies, and people with dodgy intent often hide behind fake profiles. Being aware of these risks is the first step toward protecting yourself.

Secure Your Profile

Keep your personal information private and use a username that doesn’t reveal your real identity. Alvie will only show your username, rather than your real name, to anyone until you have both agreed to become friends.

Verify Connections

Before accepting a friend request online, verify the individual through trusted channels to ensure they are legitimate. Alvie does this for you, so that you don’t have to worry about it, by providing each member with a Police Check prior to joining.

Trust Your Gut

Be wary of people who:

• Push for personal information too quickly
• Make unrealistic promises
• Try to move chats to private platforms immediately
• Ask for money or favours

Alvie will help you with this, as our in-built AI will pick up on any potentially inappropriate messages and act accordingly.

Maintain Boundaries

Keep online friendships online until you’re sure about someone’s identity. If you decide to meet in person, always:

• Meet in a public place
• Bring a trusted mate or family member
• Let others know your plans

Protect Your Privacy

Never share sensitive information such as:

• Home address
• Financial details
• School or workplace location
• Personal documents

What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

If you encounter harassment or suss behaviour:

• Block the person immediately
• Report the account to Alvie
• Save evidence of harassment
• Contact relevant authorities if necessary

Remember, genuine friendships develop naturally over time. Anyone pushing for quick intimacy or requesting personal information should raise alarm bells.

Helpful Resources:

• eSafety Commissioner: https://www.esafety.gov.au/
• Scamwatch: https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/
• Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
• Lifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.au/