PlanFolks Safety Guidelines

Effective Date: [Insert Effective Date] Last Updated: [Insert Last Updated Date]

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Meeting in Public
3. Verifying Identity
4. Informing Family and Friends
5. Emergency Contacts
6. Online Safety
7. Avoiding Financial Scams
8. Travel Safety
9. Women's Safety
10. Solo Travel Recommendations
11. Reporting Emergencies
12. Contact Information

1. Introduction

Your safety is a priority for PlanFolks, but ultimately your safety is your responsibility. PlanFolks is a platform that connects travelers — we do not conduct background checks, verify identities beyond basic account authentication, or supervise in-person meetings or travel. These Guidelines provide practical recommendations to help you use PlanFolks safely. Please read them carefully before connecting with or meeting other Users.

2. Meeting in Public

• Always arrange your first meeting with a new travel companion in a well-lit, public place (a café, hotel lobby, or busy landmark).
• Avoid meeting at private residences, isolated locations, or accommodations until you have built sufficient trust.
• Arrange your own transportation to and from the meeting location; avoid relying solely on the other person for transport on a first meeting.

3. Verify Identity

• Video call the other User before meeting in person, if possible.
• Cross-check the information on their profile against what they tell you (name, occupation, home city).
• Be cautious of profiles with very few photos, no verified indicators, recently created accounts, or inconsistent stories.
• Trust your instincts — if something feels off, disengage.

4. Inform Family and Friends

• Share your travel plans, meeting locations, and the profile of the person you're meeting with a trusted friend or family member.
• Share your live location with someone you trust during meetings or while traveling with a new companion.
• Set a check-in time and a plan for what your contact should do if you don't check in.

5. Emergency Contacts

• Save local emergency numbers for your destination country before you travel (see table below for examples).
• Keep a physical or digital copy of your accommodation address and travel itinerary accessible without needing internet access.
• Register with your country's foreign travel advisory service, where available (e.g., India's MADAD portal, the U.S. State Department's STEP program).

(This is a non-exhaustive reference list. Always verify the correct emergency number for your specific destination.)

6. Online Safety

• Do not share your home address, financial details, government ID numbers, or passwords with other Users.
• Use PlanFolks' in-app chat for initial conversations rather than immediately moving to personal phone numbers or third-party messaging apps.
• Be wary of Users who rush to move communication off-platform — this is a common scam tactic.
• Report and block any User who makes you uncomfortable; you do not owe anyone an explanation.

7. Avoiding Financial Scams

• Never send money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or banking details to someone you have met on PlanFolks, regardless of the story (emergencies, investment opportunities, "unlockable" funds, or visa/travel fees).
• Be skeptical of "too good to be true" travel deals, discounted bookings, or investment pitches from other Users.
• Verify travel bookings, tickets, and accommodations independently through official sources rather than trusting links or documents shared by other Users.
• If you suspect a scam, stop all communication, do not send further payments, and report the User to PlanFolks and your local financial fraud authority.

8. Travel Safety

• Research your destination's local laws, customs, and current travel advisories before departure.
• Keep copies of important documents (passport, visa, insurance) stored securely online and with a trusted contact.
• Purchase travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and personal liability.
• Avoid displaying valuables or discussing detailed itineraries publicly, including in open travel-plan posts.

9. Women's Safety

We recognize that solo and group travel can present unique safety considerations for women. Recommendations include:

• Prioritize accommodations and travel groups with verified, positively-reviewed members.
• Consider joining or forming women-only travel groups where available and comfortable.
• Share your live location with a trusted contact for the duration of any trip, and check in at regular intervals.
• Trust your instincts about any interaction that feels coercive, disrespectful, or unsafe, and remove yourself from the situation — report the User to PlanFolks afterward.
• Familiarize yourself with local women's safety helplines at your destination before you arrive.

PlanFolks is actively developing enhanced safety features focused on women's safety, including improved verification and reporting tools. These Guidelines will be updated as new features launch.

10. Solo Travel Recommendations

• Share your full itinerary with at least one trusted contact, including accommodation details and expected check-in times.
• Choose accommodations with strong safety reviews and 24-hour reception where possible.
• Keep your phone charged and carry a portable power bank, particularly in areas with limited connectivity.
• Learn a few basic phrases in the local language, including how to ask for help.
• Avoid sharing your solo travel status or real-time location publicly on the feed or with new connections.

11. Reporting Emergencies

If you are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services first (see table in Section 5) — do not wait to report the issue to PlanFolks.

After ensuring your immediate safety, report the incident to PlanFolks so we can take action against the responsible User:

1. Use the in-app "Report" feature on the relevant profile, chat, or travel plan.
2. Email support@planfolks.com with a description of the incident, including dates, usernames, and any evidence (screenshots, messages).
3. For urgent safety threats requiring law enforcement cooperation, see our Law Enforcement Guidelines.

12. Contact Information

• Safety reports: support@planfolks.com
• General support: support@planfolks.com

These Safety Guidelines are recommendations only and do not guarantee your safety. See also our Community Guidelines and Terms and Conditions, which disclaim PlanFolks' liability for User conduct.