Safety Tips

Meeting new people in real life is what Linkup is all about, and most linkups are just good fun. But meeting people you don’t know always carries some risk. These tips will help you look after yourself and each other.

Before a linkup

• Check them out. Look at the Host’s profile and the linkup details. A real photo, bio and clear description are good signs. Something vague, too good to be true, or pushy is a red flag.
• Keep chatting on Linkup until you’re comfortable. It means our safety tools and reporting work for you.
• Tell someone. Let a friend or family member know where you’re going, who you’re meeting, and when you expect to be back.
• Plan your journey. Arrange your own way there and back, and keep your phone charged.
• Never send money, gift cards or crypto to anyone, however convincing the story. The only safe way to pay for a linkup is a Paid Linkup in the app.

During a linkup

• Meet in public. Stick to busy, well-lit places with other people around. Don’t go to someone’s home, or anywhere isolated, with people you’ve only just met.
• Watch your drink. Don’t leave it unattended, and don’t accept a drink you didn’t see being poured. Know your limits.
• Keep your belongings close, and keep personal details like your home address, workplace or where you’re staying to yourself.
• Stay with the group. If someone tries to separate you from everyone else, be cautious.
• Trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, you can leave at any time. You don’t owe anyone an explanation.

After a linkup

• Get home safely, and let your friend know you’re back.
• Only share contact details with people you want to stay in touch with. Adding someone as a friend on Linkup is a safer first step.
• Report anything that wasn’t OK, even if it seems small. It helps us protect others. See How do I report someone?

Hosting safely

If you’re hosting, read Safety tips for Hosts too.

Blocking and reporting

• Block stops someone messaging you, seeing your profile, seeing you on the map or seeing linkups you host. They won’t be told. How to block
• Report tells us about someone so we can investigate and act, including removing them from Linkup. Reports are confidential. How to report

If someone has broken our rules or made you feel unsafe, do both.

Spotting scams

Be wary of anyone who asks for money, wants to move you off Linkup quickly, offers investment or crypto “opportunities”, asks for verification codes, or asks you to pay for a linkup outside the app. More in How do I spot a scam?

More help

See Support organisations and helplines for organisations that can help, including if you’ve experienced harassment, sexual assault, or need someone to talk to.