Key points
- FenceChat is a filter that sits between you and someone whose messages you need to manage.
- You share a FenceChat email address (and on higher plans an SMS number) instead of your real ones.
- Incoming messages are processed by AI, delivered to your inbox and Dashboard, and archived in full.
- Replies you send route back through FenceChat, so your real details are never exposed either way.
- Setup takes a few minutes and the other person does nothing.
Prefer to watch? See how FenceChat works in a one-minute video.
A friendly note: This guide shares general information to help you understand your options. It isn’t legal advice, and it can’t tell you what to do in your own situation. For that, a lawyer or a free legal service is the best next step, and you’ll find some in Where to get help.
FenceChat is a communication filter. It sits quietly between you and a person whose messages you need to keep receiving but no longer want to absorb in full. Here is what it does, and how to get going.
What FenceChat does
You are given a FenceChat email address, and on plans that include SMS, a FenceChat number. You hand those out in place of your real ones. When the other person sends a message, it arrives at FenceChat first. The AI removes hostile or manipulative content and delivers the cleaned version to your normal inbox and to your FenceChat Dashboard. The original is stored unchanged so nothing is ever lost.
What stays private
The other person only ever sees your FenceChat address or number, never your real email or mobile. If you reply, your reply is sent back through FenceChat, so your real details stay hidden in both directions. On the SMS side, only the contacts you add can reach your number, which keeps strangers and spam out entirely. If you are wondering whether this is allowed, see is it legal to filter messages.
Setting it up
- Choose your plan and address. Sign up, start your FREE 30-day trial, and pick your FenceChat email address. Filtering starts at sign up, and billing starts 30 days after your first filtered message.
- Add the people you want filtered. On SMS plans, add a contact’s mobile number and we give you your FenceChat number to share with them. On email, simply share your FenceChat address.
- Share it and step back. Give them the FenceChat address or number as your contact point. They use it like normal, with no app and no sign-up.
- Read on your terms. Filtered messages land in your inbox and Dashboard. Open them when you choose.
Choosing how messages reach you
By default, filtered texts arrive in your email inbox and Dashboard, which keeps hostile messages off your lock screen. If you would rather also have them forwarded to your phone by SMS, you can turn that on in Settings. Email and Dashboard delivery are always free and unlimited.
Keeping a record
Every message, original and filtered, is timestamped and stored. Essential keeps a 30-day archive, Protected 90 days, and Legal 24 months. Legal also lets you export the archive as a timestamped PDF to share with your lawyer, or as a spreadsheet.
Where to get help
These services are free or low-cost. If you or someone else is in danger, call your local emergency number first.
Australia
Privacy
- Office of the Australian Information Commissioner Your privacy rights in Australia.
Online abuse, stalking and cybercrime
- eSafety Commissioner Report serious online abuse and image-based abuse.
- ReportCyber Report cybercrime affecting you or your business.
If you feel unsafe
- Emergency: 000 Police, ambulance or fire, if you or someone else is in danger.
- 1800RESPECT Free, confidential counselling for family, domestic and sexual violence, any time. 1800 737 732.
United States
Privacy
- IdentityTheft.gov Federal help if someone misuses your personal details.
Online abuse, stalking and cybercrime
- Cyber Civil Rights Initiative Support for online and image-based abuse, including a free helpline, any time: 844-878-2274.
- Stalking Prevention, Awareness and Resource Center Information and resources about stalking.
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center Report internet crime.
If you feel unsafe
- Emergency: 911 Police, ambulance or fire, if you or someone else is in danger.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline Free, confidential support, any time. Call 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.
United Kingdom
Privacy
- Information Commissioner’s Office Your data protection rights in the UK.
Online abuse, stalking and cybercrime
- National Stalking Helpline Advice for people affected by stalking. 0808 802 0300.
- Victim Support Free support for people affected by crime.
If you feel unsafe
- Emergency: 999 Police, ambulance or fire, if you or someone else is in danger.
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline Free, confidential support, any time. 0808 2000 247.
Frequently asked questions
How long does setup take?
A few minutes. You choose your FenceChat address, add the people you want filtered, and share your FenceChat contact details. The other person does nothing.
Do I need a credit card to start?
Yes, a card is added at sign up but you are not charged then. Filtering starts at sign up, and billing starts 30 days after your first filtered message.
Can I reply through FenceChat?
Yes. Replies are sent back through FenceChat so your real email and number are never revealed to the other person.
What happens to messages if I cancel?
Your archived messages are preserved and your FenceChat email address remains yours. Filtering and delivery stop while your plan is inactive.
Is my data sold or used for ads?
No. FenceChat does not sell your information and does not run advertising or tracking that builds a marketing profile of you.