Safety Guidelines
Your safety is our top priority. Follow these guidelines to protect yourself when using PairUp and meeting potential housemates.
General Safety Tips
Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off or too good to be true, trust your gut feeling. It's okay to walk away from any situation that makes you uncomfortable. Your safety matters more than finding a housemate quickly.
Verify Profiles
Look for verified badges (email, phone, ID verification). While verification doesn't guarantee safety, it adds an extra layer of authenticity. Be cautious with unverified profiles.
Take Your Time
Don't rush into decisions. Spend time messaging and video calling potential housemates before meeting in person. Ask questions about lifestyle, habits, and expectations.
Protect Your Privacy
Don't share personal information like your home address, workplace details, or financial information until you've thoroughly vetted the person and are ready to proceed.
Meeting in Person
Before the First Meeting:
- 1Choose a public place: Meet in busy, well-lit public locations like cafés, restaurants, shopping malls, or community centers. Never meet at someone's home for the first time.
- 2Inform someone: Tell a friend or family member where you're going, who you're meeting, and when you expect to return. Share the person's profile and contact information.
- 3Meet during daytime: Schedule meetings during daylight hours when there are more people around and better visibility.
- 4Bring a friend: Consider bringing a trusted friend or family member to the first meeting, or at least have someone nearby.
- 5Use your own transportation: Drive yourself or use a taxi/ride-sharing service. Don't accept rides from someone you just met.
- 6Keep your phone charged: Ensure your phone is fully charged and easily accessible in case you need to call for help.
- 7Video call first: Have at least one video call before meeting in person to verify the person matches their profile photos.
During the Meeting:
- •Stay in public areas throughout the entire meeting
- •Don't leave your drink or belongings unattended
- •Watch for red flags like aggressive behavior, excessive drinking, or pressure to leave the public area
- •If you feel unsafe at any point, excuse yourself and leave immediately
Financial Safety
WARNING: Common Scams
Never send money to someone you haven't met in person. Scammers may create fake profiles, build trust, and then request money for emergencies, deposits, or other reasons.
✓DO
- •Use official rental agreements and receipts
- •Verify property ownership before paying deposits
- •Meet the landlord or property manager in person
- •Inspect the property before making any payments
- •Use secure payment methods with receipts
- •Get everything in writing
✗DON'T
- •Send money via wire transfer or mobile money to strangers
- •Pay deposits before viewing the property
- •Share your bank account or credit card details
- •Rush financial decisions or respond to "urgent" requests
- •Pay for properties that seem too cheap or too good to be true
- •Make payments without proper documentation
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious and consider ending communication if you notice any of these warning signs:
Inconsistent Information
Profile details don't match what they tell you in messages
Refuses to Video Call
Makes excuses to avoid video verification or in-person meetings
Requests Money
Asks for deposits, fees, or money before meeting or viewing property
Too Good to Be True
Prices significantly below market rate or perfect match with zero issues
Pressures You
Creates urgency to make quick decisions or claims "many other interested people"
Inappropriate Behavior
Makes sexual comments, sends explicit content, or behaves aggressively
Vague Details
Avoids answering specific questions about the property or living situation
No Verification
Profile has no verification badges and refuses to provide any form of ID
Reporting and Blocking Users
How to Report a User:
- 1Navigate to the user's profile or conversation
- 2Click the "Report" button (usually in the profile menu or conversation options)
- 3Select the reason for reporting (harassment, fraud, explicit content, etc.)
- 4Provide details and any evidence (screenshots, messages, etc.)
- 5Submit the report - our team will investigate within 24 hours
How to Block a User:
Blocking prevents a user from contacting you or viewing your profile. To block someone:
- •Go to their profile or conversation
- •Click "Block User"
- •Confirm the action
- •The user will be immediately blocked and notified
Report Serious Issues
For serious safety concerns, illegal activity, or urgent matters:
- •Contact our 24/7 support team at pairupng@gmail.com
- •If you're in immediate danger, contact local authorities (Police: 112 or 199 in Nigeria)
- •We review all reports and take appropriate action, including account deletion for violations
Questions to Ask Potential Housemates
Before committing to living with someone, ask these important questions:
Lifestyle & Habits
- •What's your typical daily schedule?
- •How often do you have guests over?
- •Do you smoke or drink?
- •What's your cleanliness standard?
- •Are you a night owl or early bird?
Practical Matters
- •How will bills and rent be split?
- •What's included in the rent?
- •How long are you planning to stay?
- •What's your employment status?
- •Do you have references from previous landlords?
Living Preferences
- •How do you handle conflicts?
- •Do you prefer shared or separate groceries?
- •What's your noise tolerance level?
- •Any allergies or dietary restrictions?
- •How do you feel about sharing household items?
Deal Breakers
- •Do you have pets or plan to get any?
- •Are there any house rules you need?
- •What are your absolute no-gos?
- •How do you feel about sharing bathrooms/kitchen?
- •Any specific cultural or religious requirements?
Remember: Your Safety Comes First
✓PairUp does not conduct background checks. It's your responsibility to thoroughly vet potential housemates.
✓Never feel pressured. Take all the time you need to make informed decisions about your living situation.
✓Trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, it's okay to walk away.
✓Report suspicious activity. Help keep our community safe by reporting violations.
✓We're here to help. Contact us 24/7 at pairupng@gmail.com with any concerns.
Need Help or Have Questions?
Our safety team is available 24/7 to assist you with any concerns or questions.