It can be exciting to think about meeting up in person to collaborate with another creator or business you’ve connected with through VSCO. Anytime you meet an online connection for the first time, it's important to prioritize your safety. Here are some tips to help you stay safe when meeting in person:
Before the Meet Up
Do Your Research: Make sure you feel completely comfortable before you arrange an in-person meet up. Search for the creator or business you're meeting up with both on VSCO and other platforms to confirm they are the same across all results. Suggest a video call to verify their identity and get a better sense of who they are.
Beware of Scammers: Keep an eye out for creators or businesses making promises of easy money or urgently demanding your financial information. If you have reason to believe that the person you’re interacting with may be a scammer, end the conversation and report it to our Trust & Safety Team for review. Find more information on messaging red flags here.
Meet in a Public Place: Do your best to meet in a well-lit public place, with other people around and camera surveillance if possible. Beware of last minute requests to relocate to a private or less neutral location.
Inform a Trusted Person: Let a friend or family member know where you're going, who you're meeting up with, and when you expect to return. Consider sharing your location, and let them know when you’re home safe.
Arrange Your Own Transportation: Make sure you have your own means of transportation to and from the meeting place. Avoid accepting rides from someone you've just met online.
Have an Exit Strategy: Plan an exit strategy beforehand in case you feel uncomfortable or unsafe during the meeting. Arrange a signal with a friend or family member if you need assistance.
During/After the Meet Up
Stay Vigilant with Personal Belongings: Make sure you come with a charged phone and keep belongings like your purse, wallet, and electronic devices secure and within sight at all times. Do your best to not leave food or drink unattended.
Keep Personal Information Private: Avoid sharing sensitive personal information like your ID, home address, or secure bank information. Always be cautious when sharing contact info or social media profiles and conducting payment transactions.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off or makes you uncomfortable during your interaction, trust your instincts and end the meeting. Put your pre-planned exit strategy into action!
Report Suspicious Behavior: If anyone exhibits suspicious behavior or makes you feel unsafe, first report them to the appropriate authorities by calling 911. Once you’re safe, report them to our VSCO Trust & Safety Team. You can find details on how to do that here.
Remember, it's important to prioritize your safety and well-being when connecting in person. A little preparation can mean a whole lot of peace of mind.
Learn more about safety on VSCO.
Please know that while VSCO aims to connect creators to work opportunities, VSCO is not involved in the direct engagement between you and others on VSCO Hub. Please see our Terms of Use for more information.
Last updated April 2024