Safety Guidelines
Your safety is our priority
SwapAHour connects people to exchange skills and learn from each other. While our community is built on trust and mutual respect, it's important to take precautions when meeting new people. These guidelines will help you have safe and positive experiences.
Review Their Profile
- Check their reviews and ratings from other users
- Look for a complete profile with a clear photo
- Read their skill descriptions and experience level
- Look for verified badges when available
Communicate First
- Use the in-app messaging to discuss session details
- Ask questions about their experience and approach
- Clarify expectations, location, and duration
- Trust your instincts—if something feels off, don't proceed
Plan Ahead
- For first meetings, choose a public location (library, coffee shop, community center)
- Consider starting with an online session if the skill allows
- Share your meeting details with a friend or family member
- Keep your phone charged and accessible
Stay Alert
- Trust your instincts—if you feel uncomfortable, it's okay to leave
- Keep your belongings secure and within sight
- Maintain appropriate boundaries
- Don't feel pressured to extend sessions or change locations
For In-Home Sessions
- Only go to someone's home after establishing trust through previous public meetings
- Let someone know the address and expected duration
- Consider having a check-in call scheduled during longer sessions
- Know where the exits are located
For Online Sessions
- Use the platform's recommended video tools when possible
- Be mindful of what's visible in your background
- Don't share your screen unless necessary for the skill exchange
- You can end the call at any time if you feel uncomfortable
Leave a Review
- Provide honest feedback to help the community
- Mention both positives and areas for improvement
- Your reviews help others make informed decisions
Report Concerns
- Report any inappropriate behavior immediately
- Use the report feature on profiles, skills, or messages
- Contact support for urgent safety concerns
- Reports are confidential and help keep our community safe
Good Options
- Public libraries
- Coffee shops or cafes
- Community centers
- Co-working spaces
- Parks (during daylight)
- University campuses
Use Caution
- Private homes (until trust is established)
- Isolated locations
- Unfamiliar neighborhoods
- Late night meetings
- Locations without cell service
Keep your communications on the SwapAHour platform whenever possible. This helps us:
- Maintain a record of conversations for dispute resolution
- Detect and prevent scams or inappropriate behavior
- Provide support if issues arise
Warning: Be cautious if someone asks you to communicate outside the platform, requests payment outside the time credit system, or pressures you to share personal contact information before you're comfortable.
- Requests for money or payment outside the time credit system
- Pressure to meet immediately or at unusual hours
- Reluctance to meet in public places
- Inconsistent information or stories
- Requests for personal financial information
- Aggressive or inappropriate messages
- Profiles with no reviews or very new accounts making unusual requests
- Requests to move communication off the platform immediately
If you encounter any of these red flags, trust your instincts and report the user.
If you ever feel unsafe or are in immediate danger:
- Leave immediately if you feel unsafe
- Call emergency services (911) if you're in immediate danger
- Go to a safe public place and contact someone you trust
- Report the incident to SwapAHour as soon as you're safe
Remember: Your safety is more important than any skill exchange. It's always okay to cancel, leave, or say no if something doesn't feel right.