Safety tips

Online Safety

Never send money or share financial information

Never send money, even if the person claims to be in an emergency. It’s almost always impossible to reverse the transaction or trace where the money went. In addition, never share information that could be used to access your financial accounts. If another user asks you for money, immediately stop communicating with such individual and report it to us immediately by clicking ‘block and report’ at the bottom of the person’s profile.

For tips on avoiding romance scams, check out some advice from the U.S Federal Trade Commission on the FTC website.

Protect your personal information

There is more obvious personal information that you shouldn’t share with people you don’t know, such as your last name, phone number, social security number, email address, home or work address or any other identifying information. However, even details about your daily routine (e.g. sharing that you walk at a specific park every Wednesday) can be dangerous when in the wrong hands. If you are a parent, limit the information that you share about your children on your profile and in early communications. Avoid sharing details such as your children’s names, where they go to school, or their ages.

Stay on So Syncd in the early stages

Keep conversations on the So Syncd platform while you’re getting to know someone. Please report any suspicious behaviour to us immediately by clicking ‘block and report’ at the bottom of the person’s profile.

Be wary of people who try to stick to messaging only

It can be a red flag if someone refuses to meet in person, talk on a phone or do a video call — they may be pretending to be someone they’re not. If someone is pushing for a serious relationship without meeting or getting to know you first, you should be wary. Please be aware that anyone who is able to commit identity theft, can also falsify a dating profile.

Report all suspicious and offensive behavior

Report all suspicious and offensive behavior to us immediately by clicking ‘block and report’ at the bottom of the person’s profile. Block and report anyone that violates our terms. Here are some examples of violations:

• Requests for money (even if the individual is claiming to experience an emergency)
• Underage users (you must be at least 18 years old to use So Syncd)
• Fraudulent profiles
• Inappropriate or harmful behavior
• Harassment, threats, and offensive messages
• Spam or solicitation, including links to commercial websites or attempts to sell products or services

You can report anyone on our app by scrolling to the bottom of their profile and clicking ‘block and report’.

Protect Your Account

Choose a strong password – avoid obvious passwords like the name of your dog. So Syncd will never send you an email asking for your account information. If you receive an email asking for your account information, report it immediately.

Meeting in Person

Take it slow

Take your time and get to know the other person before agreeing to meet or chat off So Syncd. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to screen for any red flags. A phone or video call can be a useful screening tool before meeting, but please note, meeting someone through an online dating service can be risky.

Meet in public

At least for the first few times meeting someone, it’s safer to meet in a populated, public place —never at your home, your date’s home, or any other private location. If your date pressures you to go to a private location, end the date. Have a pre-prepared excuse in case this happens.

Tell friends and/or family about your plans

Tell a friend or family member about your plans, including when and where you’re going, and when you are returning. Take your cell phone with you and make sure it’s charged.

Be mindful of the effects of drugs and alcohol

Be aware of how drugs or alcohol impact you — they can impair your judgment and your alertness. If your date tries to pressure you to use drugs or drink more than you’re comfortable with, end the date. Know where your drink comes from and know where it is at all times — only accept drinks poured or served directly from the bartender or server.

Be in Control of Your Transportation

We want you to be in control of how you get to and from your date so that you can leave whenever you want. If you’re driving yourself, it’s a good idea to have a backup plan such as a ride-share app or a friend to pick you up.

Listen to your instincts

If your instincts are telling you that something isn’t right, listen. If you feel uncomfortable, leave the date early. Have a pre-prepared excuse and ask someone for help if necessary.

LGBTQ+ Travel

Be careful when traveling. Inclusivity of all gender identities and sexual orientations is a key priority for us, but some countries have specific laws that target LGBTQ+ people. Some countries have laws that criminalize communications between same-sex couples on dating applications or websites. Check the laws when you travel to a new place. In the event that you’re in unsafe territory, we suggest using our ‘snooze’ function so that your profile isn’t shown on So Syncd for that time period.

Visit ILGA World to see the latest sexual orientation laws by country.

Sexual Health & Consent

Protect Yourself

When used correctly and consistently, condoms can significantly reduce the risk of contracting and passing on STIs like HIV. But, be aware of STIs like herpes or HPV that can be passed on through skin-to-skin contact. The risk of contracting some STIs can be reduced through vaccination.

Know Your Status

Not all STIs show symptoms and you don’t want to be in the dark about your status. Stay on top of your health and prevent the spread of STIs by getting tested regularly. Here’s where you can find a clinic near you (US only).

Talk About It

Communication is everything: Before you get physically intimate with a partner, talk about sexual health and STI testing. And be aware — in some places, it’s actually a crime to knowingly pass on an STI. Need help starting the conversation? Here are some tips.

Consent

All sexual activity must start with consent and should include ongoing check-ins with your partner. Verbal communication can help you and your partner ensure that you respect each other’s boundaries. Consent can be withdrawn at any time, and sex is never owed to anyone. Do not proceed if your partner seems uncomfortable or unsure, or if your partner is unable to consent due to the effects of drugs or alcohol.

Resources for Help, Support, or Advice

Remember — even if you follow these tips, no method of risk reduction is perfect.  If you have a negative experience, please know that it is not your fault and help is available. Report any incidents here, and consider reaching out to one of the resources below. If you feel you are in immediate danger or need emergency assistance, call 911 (U.S. or Canada) or your local law enforcement agency.

RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline

1-800-656-HOPE (4673) I online.rainn.org I www.rainn.org

Planned Parenthood

1-800-230-7526 I www.plannedparenthood.org

 National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 I www.thehotline.org

 National Human Trafficking Hotline

1-888-373-7888 or text 233733 I www.humantraffickinghotline.org

 National Sexual Violence Resource Center

1-877-739-3895 I www.nsvrc.org

 National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

1-800-THE-LOST (843-5678) I www.cybertipline.com

 Cyber Civil Rights Initiative

1-844-878-2274 I www.cybercivilrights.org

 VictimConnect – Crime Victim Resource Center

1-855-4VICTIM (855-484-2846) I www.victimconnect.org

 FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center

www.ic3.gov

 LGBT National Help Center

1-888-843-4564 I www.glbtnationalhelpcenter.org

Trans Lifeline

1-877-565-8860 (US) or 1-877-330-6366 (CA) I www.translifeline.org