Is OnlyFans safe?

OnlyFans is a huge platform – at the time of writing, the site has almost 200 million active users, over 2 million of whom are creators. While OnlyFans is a legitimate social media platform, there are some security risks and measures you should put in place, regardless of whether you’re a subscriber or content creator.

OnlyFans is a subscription-based platform that allows creators to monetise their content. To access videos, photos, and/or live streams produced by the creator, viewers must pay a monthly subscription fee, which usually ranges between $5 to $50. Creators also have the choice to distribute pay-per-view content, which can be viewed for an additional one-time fee on top of the subscription fee.  

The platform handles hosting and payment processing for a commission fee on top of the creator’s earnings. From every subscription, OnlyFans takes 20%, leaving 80% to its creator. 

You might be under the impression that OnlyFans is primarily used by adult entertainers looking to capitalise on content that’s barred on platforms like Instagram. While that’s not untrue, OnlyFans is still widely used by public figures, fitness trainers, and models to provide fans with exclusive content. Cardi B created an account in 2020 to engage with fans, tease new music, and promote new music, while DJ Khalid delivered inspirational speeches with fellow rapper, Fat Joe. 

The internet is full of videos leaked from the accounts of OnlyFans creators. This happens when a subscriber downloads or screen records the content they paid for and uploads it to a separate site. Creators who film or create adult content are the most likely victims of copyright infringement. Even though OnlyFans can issue takedown notices, it's unlikely the leaked footage or photos will ever truly disappear. 

No online platform can guarantee absolute safety against data breaches. OnlyFans accounts (especially subscriber accounts) are attractive to cyber criminals because they can lure you to fake or unsafe websites under the guise that you're signing into your OnlyFans account.  

Depending on the niche you’re creating content for, OnlyFans can be competitive and saturated with content. Generating a steady income stream is not easy and can take time, especially if you aren’t already an established creator with a following on other apps.

Many small creators turn to promoters to speed up their account growth. The sad thing is that not all promoters are legitimate and are more than likely to ditch you as soon as they get a cut of your earnings. If you are going to enlist the help of a promoter, do your background research, and don’t trust anyone who claims to be a promoter until you see evidence that proves otherwise. 

As with any other celebrity or content creator, some fans will take it a step too far. There have been several reports of OnlyFans subscribers stalking creators – one even broke into the house of an OnlyFans model and took photographs of her sleeping. 

If you choose to be an OnlyFans creator, limit the personal information you post on your page and avoid oversharing when chatting with subscribers. Be wary of posting any information or photos in recognisable shoot locations as this could be used by eagle-eyed subscribers to narrow down your location.

In recent years, there’s been an influx of scammers creating OnlyFans accounts using the photos and videos of unconsenting users they find on social media. To circumvent this, content creators will need to provide additional information to prove their identity when creating a profile. OnlyFans may ask you to provide the following information: 

• Real name (no pseudonyms) 
• Driver’s license or passport details
• Your IP address   
• Professional or employment-related information (such as the business you currently work at or are associated with)

OnlyFans allows creators to limit who has access to their content and takes measures to protect creators’ online safety. If you have a subscriber who is displaying demanding or aggressive behaviour, you can restrict or block their access to your content. You can also turn off post comments, or make your account private, meaning no one aside from your subscribers can see the content on your OnlyFans account. 

Whether you’re a subscriber or a creator, OnlyFans will use and store your information. Like any other social media platform, it will gather personal and behavioural data. For subscribers, they’ll collect information regarding your:

• Device and network, like your IP address
• Biometrics if you use Face ID or thumbprint authentication
• Account name, email address, and postal address

To become a subscriber, all you need is a working email address and payment information. Hacking is the number one issue to watch out for as a subscriber, since your account stores payment and billing information. However, even if your account is hacked, only the last four digits and your card’s expiry date are displayed. Worst case scenario, someone uses your card on the platform to pay for extra content or subscriptions.

Cybercriminals or scammers will try to train access to your OnlyFans account through phishing. They might send you a link that looks eerily similar to one genuinely sent by the platform. If you open any of the links within the email, you’ll probably be sent to a fake website, putting your account and personal information at risk.

OnlyFans has measures in place to prevent unauthorised access to personal information. All information collected by the platform is encrypted and kept on a separate server, limiting the risk of security breaches. 

OnlyFans processes and stores payments on a separate server. The third-party processors used by OnlyFans are Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliant, meaning they store bank account information and payment processing details securely. 

OnlyFans also uses a 3D secure checkout protocol, adding a layer of verification to your bank card transactions. This means that you’ll need to take an extra step in confirming your identity, whether that be a PIN sent to your phone number or your thumbprint for companies that use biometric authentication. 

To prevent unauthorised access, both creator and subscriber accounts use two-factor authentication. Anyone attempting to log in to their account will need to enter the pin sent to the user’s smartphone. 

Aside from the above, OnlyFans also takes various safety measures to protect its creator’s and subscriber’s data. If any account holder violates the terms outlined in its policy, their account will be suspended. You can also rest assured that OnlyFans claims not to share or sell your information to third parties.

Protecting your privacy (as both a subscriber and a creator) is essential for maintaining control over your online presence. We’d recommend the following steps in effectively safeguarding your privacy when using the platform.

• Understand that you are not 100% protected against copyright violations and data breaches. 
• Be mindful of what you search and post. Viewing and creating new content is part of the fun of OnlyFans. However, make sure you avoid entering any sensitive or personal information on the platform, especially information that can be used to give away your location. 
• Educate yourself about the way OnlyFans uses your data and the risks that come with using OnlyFans. Become acquainted with their privacy policy and terms of service to understand what your data is being used for. 
• Protect your account with two-factor authentication, a strong password, and a password manager. 
• Use antivirus software that can protect you from websites impersonating OnlyFans or phishing scams vying for your login information. 
• Practice standard internet safety – don’t click on any suspicious links, download attachments, or share personal information with people or creators you don’t know.

While there are risks for using OnlyFans as a subscriber and a creator, OnlyFans as a platform is mostly safe. Like any social media platform though, it’s subject to data breaches, hacking, and scams. 

Prioritising internet safety practices is the key to staying safe while using OnlyFans. Block and avoid any suspicious or aggressive commenters or promoters, protect your account with a strong password, and always use two-factor authentication, so you can maximise your safety and keep your personal information safe.