The take-away: Theres no reason to give out a phone number before meeting. Use the app to pick a time and place to meet. Remember conventional wisdom: Meet in a public place, let a friend know ahead where youll be, and plan to check in after.

Is it safe to give your number out online?

Dont give out your phone number online. Unless you trust a person, dont give them your number, even if you bought something from them. If you must share it, do it privately (via email or a direct message) and not on a public message board.

Why do people online want your phone number?

“These photos and mobile numbers could potentially be used for cyber-bullying and blackmail,” he says, especially if theyre connected to a real name. Hackers can also fake a caller I.D. by using your number to sidestep a security step, says Bo Holland, founder and CEO of AllClear ID, an identity protection firm.