Writing safely
Write freely. Share carefully.
Most pen pals are exactly who they seem. These habits help you spot the rare one who isn’t.
PennaPal isn’t open yet. These tips describe the tools you’ll have when it does.
Your details
Keep them to yourself.
- Other members see your pen name, PennaPal ID, the writing you publish, any one-line introduction you add, and the country you choose to share (or “Somewhere in the world”). Your real name, age, gender and exact location aren’t shown unless you reveal them in your own writing.
- Leave your full name, address, workplace, school, phone and email out of letters.
- Watch for small clues that add up: your street, your gym, a photo with a house number.
- Check photos before sharing. Some contain location data.
Warning signs
Always a red flag
Money
- A sudden emergency, bill or stuck parcel
- Investment or crypto tips
- Gift cards, bank details or codes
- Very close, very quickly, then asking for help
Stop replying and report it. You won’t be in trouble.
Take your time
Moving off PennaPal
Here you can block and report, and we can step in. Once you swap numbers or social media, we can’t. Be wary of anyone who pushes to move early.
Meeting in person
If you ever choose to:
- Wait until you know each other well.
- Meet somewhere public; get there and home on your own.
- Tell someone where you’ll be.
- Leave if anything feels wrong.
Trust your instincts
You never have to reply. You can close a correspondence, block or report at any time, and nobody is told who reported them.
Post Day
Post Day is a concept and isn’t running. If a paper pilot goes ahead, it will use PO boxes only, never home addresses.
Help in Aotearoa New Zealand
Emergency
Call 111
If you or someone else is in immediate danger.
Outside New Zealand, contact your local emergency number or online safety service.