WalkingPal Safety Tips

Meeting new people is exciting, but you should always be cautious when interacting with someone you don’t know. Use your best judgement and put your safety first, whether you are exchanging initial messages or meeting in person. While you can’t control the actions of others, there are things you can do to help you stay safe during your WalkingPal experience.

Online Safety

Never Send Money or Share Financial Information.

Especially over wire transfer, even if the person claims to be in an emergency. Wiring money is like sending cash — it’s nearly impossible to reverse the transaction or trace where the money went. 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 WalkingPal platform while you’re getting to know someone. Because exchanges on WalkingPal are subject to our Safe Message Filters, users with bad intentions often try to move the conversation to text, messaging apps, email, or phone right away.

Report All Suspicious and Offensive Behavior.

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 behaviour during or after meeting in person
• Fraudulent profiles
• Spam or solicitation including links to commercial websites or attempts to sell products or services.

Protect Your Account.

Be sure to pick a strong password, and always be careful when logging into your account from a public or shared computer. WalkingPal 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.

When you start walking.

Walk in Public and Stay in Public.

If your buddy pressures you to go to a private location, don't. Just cancel it.

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.

Know Your Limits.

Be aware of the effects of drugs or alcohol on you specifically — they can impair your judgment and your alertness. If your buddy tries to pressure you to use drugs or drink more than you’re comfortable with, hold your ground and leave.

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 the walk 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, ask the server for help.