If you’re new to Virgin Mobile’s Mon Ami service try these tips and remember to keep safe.

Be careful: Remember, someone you meet may have a creepy identity crisis and claim to be your 16 year old chicky soul mate, when in fact they turn out to be a 40 year old male freak-azoid…

Take someone with you: If you are real sure it’s all on the level and you’re keen to catch up with someone you’ve only known thru a chat service, get someone to hang with you at least the first time. Best also to meet in a public place and during the day.

Feel free to Bail: If someone sends dodgy messages or asks you heaps of personal info, dump them by texting BLOCK [their nickname] to 0422 477 777 (eg. BLOCK nutbag). Don’t even respond to freaks cause that could be how they get off - only chat to friends you like and if someone sounds heaps dodgy you can contact us and we’ll tell their service provider.

Help your mates: If you know of any friends who are a bit too ‘cool’ to take our advice, try your best to help them do the right thing. You will definitely thank yourself in the long run.

ROCK SPIDERS: If you are potentially one of the creeps we’re talking about, remember it’s never appropriate or funny to send dodgy chat messages to strangers. If you are really freaking people out, know that this can result in criminal prosecution. Also know that the Federal Government has introduced criminal offences for using phone services to procure or groom children under 16 for sex – you have been warned!

Learn more:You can get heaps of info on safe chatting from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (www.acma.gov.au) or NetAlert (www.netalert.net.au or 1800 880 176).