Safety Tips
Essential safety information for all members of our community
Last updated: December 2025
Important Safety Notice
Your safety is our top priority. This page provides essential safety information for all members of our community. Please read carefully and always prioritize your personal safety.
Emergency Resources
- Emergency Services: Call 911
- National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
If you are in immediate danger, call 911 immediately.
Safety Tips for Everyone
Trust Your Instincts
Your intuition is your first line of defense. If something feels wrong, it probably is. Never ignore red flags or dismiss your gut feelings.
- If a situation feels unsafe, leave immediately
- Don't let politeness override your safety concerns
- It's always okay to say no or change your mind
- Uncomfortable feelings are valid reasons to decline or leave
Verify When Possible
Verification helps ensure you're dealing with legitimate individuals. While perfect verification isn't always possible, taking steps to confirm identity reduces risk.
- Use video calls when possible before meeting
- Verify social media or online presence
- Check reviews and reputation within the community
- Ask for references when appropriate
Safe Meeting Practices
- Meet in public first when possible
- Share your plans with a trusted friend
- Have check-in times scheduled
- Keep your phone charged and accessible
- Know your exit routes
- Trust your instincts about locations
Communication Safety
- Use the platform's messaging when possible
- Be cautious about sharing personal phone numbers immediately
- Consider using a secondary phone or app-based number
- Never share financial account information
- Be wary of requests to move to obscure platforms
Safety Tips for Clients
Respect and Consent
Respect is the foundation of positive interactions. Every person deserves to be treated with dignity.
- Always respect stated boundaries
- Consent can be withdrawn at any time
- "No" is a complete sentence
- Never pressure anyone for anything
- Treat providers as professionals
Cooperate with Screening
Screening protects everyone. Providers who screen are taking their safety seriously - this is a good sign.
- Understand that screening is for everyone's safety
- Provide requested information honestly
- References from other providers are valuable
- Never resent or try to circumvent screening
Why Screening Matters
Providers who screen are generally safer to meet. A provider's willingness to screen shows professionalism and concern for safety - both theirs and yours.
Protecting Your Privacy
- Use a discreet email address for this site
- Don't use your real name unless necessary for verification
- Be mindful of information that could identify you
- Consider the privacy of others in your life
Red Flags for Clients
Safety Tips for Providers
Screening Best Practices
Effective screening is your most important safety tool. Never skip or shortcut screening.
- References: Contact provided references directly to verify
- Employment: Verify through official channels, not just business cards
- ID: Photo ID helps confirm identity
- Deposits: Non-refundable deposits help verify seriousness
- Time: Don't rush screening - legitimate clients understand
Never Skip Screening
Anyone who pressures you to skip screening is a red flag. No appointment is worth your safety. Legitimate clients respect and appreciate screening processes.
Deposit Best Practices
Deposits help verify intent and protect against no-shows:
- Use payment methods that don't reveal your real name
- Clearly communicate deposit policies upfront
- Consider the deposit amount carefully
- Have clear policies for cancellations and refunds
Location Safety
Incall Safety
- Ensure your location is secure and has working locks
- Know your building's security features
- Have a clear exit path
- Consider having someone know when appointments start/end
- Don't reveal your address until screening is complete
Outcall Safety
- Verify the location before arriving
- Share the address with a trusted contact
- Have check-in protocols in place
- Trust your instincts about the environment
- Know where exits are located
- Keep your phone accessible
Safety Buddy System
A safety buddy is someone who knows your schedule and checks in with you:
- Share appointment details (time, duration, general location)
- Set specific check-in times
- Have code words for "I'm okay" and "I need help"
- Establish what action to take if you don't check in
- Keep your buddy's contact accessible but hidden
Red Flags for Providers
Online Safety
Password Security
- Use strong, unique passwords for each site
- Consider using a password manager
- Enable two-factor authentication when available
- Never share your password with anyone
Recognizing Phishing
Phishing attempts try to steal your information. Watch for:
- Emails asking you to "verify" your account by clicking links
- Messages with urgent warnings about your account
- Links that don't go to official websites
- Requests for passwords or sensitive information
We Will Never Ask
TheOtherBoard will NEVER ask for your password via email or message. If you receive such a request, it's a phishing attempt. Report it to us immediately.
Photo Privacy
- Remove Metadata: Strip EXIF data from photos before uploading
- Check Backgrounds: Ensure photos don't reveal identifying locations
- Watermark: Consider watermarking to prevent theft
- Reverse Search: Periodically search for your images to find unauthorized use
VPN and Privacy Tools
Consider using privacy tools to protect your online activity:
- VPN (Virtual Private Network) to mask your location
- Private browsing modes for sensitive activity
- Secure, encrypted messaging apps
- Secondary email addresses for this site
Reporting Issues
Reporting on Platform
If you encounter problematic behavior, please report it:
- Use the "Report" button on profiles or messages
- Contact us through our Contact Form
- Provide as much detail as possible
- Include screenshots if relevant
When to Contact Authorities
Contact law enforcement if you experience or witness:
- Any violence or threats of violence
- Non-consensual activity
- Suspected trafficking or exploitation
- Theft or robbery
- Any other criminal activity
Anonymous Reporting
You can also report suspected trafficking anonymously to the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text "HELP" to 233733.
Additional Resources
SWOP (Sex Workers Outreach Project)
Advocacy and support for sex workers - swopusa.org
RAINN
Sexual assault support and resources - rainn.org
National Human Trafficking Hotline
24/7 confidential support: 1-888-373-7888
Cyber Civil Rights Initiative
Help for image abuse victims - cybercivilrights.org
Remember
Safety is everyone's responsibility. By looking out for ourselves and each other, we create a safer community for all. Never hesitate to reach out if you need help or have concerns.
If you have suggestions for improving this safety guide, please contact us.