Socialising with Buddies Online

Never Send Money or Share Financial Information
Certain events may require payment (for example split court rentals), however never send money, especially over wire transfer, unless you’re fully sure of the event, the cost and your attendance. This is whether bank transfer, MobilePay or other money wiring service. Never share information that could be used to access your financial accounts. If another user asks you for money, report it to us immediately.

Protect Your Personal Information
Never share personal information, such as your social security number, home or work address, or details about your daily routine (e.g., that you go to a certain gym every Monday) with people you don’t know. 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 or genders.

Stay on the Platform
Keep conversations on the BuddyUp Social platform while you’re getting to know someone. Users with bad intentions often try to move the conversation to text, messaging apps, email, or phone right away.

Report All Suspicious and Offensive Behaviour
You know when someone’s crossed the line and when they do, we want to know about it. Block and report anyone that violates our terms. Here are some examples of violations:

• Requests for money or donations

• Underage users

• Harassment, threats, and offensive messages

• Inappropriate or harmful behavior during or after meeting in person

• Fraudulent profiles

• Spam or solicitation including links to commercial websites or attempts to sell products or services

You can report any concerns about suspicious behavior from any profile page or messaging window here. For more information, check out our Community Guidelines.

Protect Your Account
Be sure to pick a strong password, and always be careful when logging into your account from a new phone. BuddyUp Social will never send you an email asking for your username and password information — if you receive an email asking for account information, report it immediately.

Socialising with Buddies in the Real World

Tell Friends and Family About Your Plans
Tell a friend or family member of your plans, including when and where you’re going. Have your cell phone charged and with you at all times.

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.

Know Your Limits
Be aware of the effects of drugs or alcohol on you specifically — they can impair your judgment and your alertness. If other Buddies try to pressure you to use drugs or drink more than you’re comfortable with, hold your ground, say no, leave and report the user to us.

Don’t Leave Drinks or Personal Items Unattended
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. Many substances that are slipped into drinks to facilitate sexual assault are odorless, colorless, and tasteless. Also, keep your phone, purse, wallet, and anything containing personal information on you at all times.

If You Feel Uncomfortable, Leave
It’s okay to end or leave the event early if you’re feeling uncomfortable. In fact, it’s encouraged. And if your instincts are telling you something is off or you feel unsafe, look for any nearby assistance and ask for help. Worst case call your local emergency services.

LGBTQ+ Travel
We recognise and believe in the importance of being inclusive of all gender identities and sexual orientations, but the horrible reality is this: nowhere in the world is without potential risk, and some countries still have specific laws that target LGBTQ+ people. But this shouldn’t be a reason why you don’t get to socialise. But until the world is fixed:

• Check out the laws around you when you travel to a new place and research what types of legal protection, if any, are available to you based on sexual orientation. In the event that you’re in unsafe territory, we suggest using caution.

• If you have added a sexual orientation to your profile, consider removing it from your profile until you leave that area.