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  • Consent can be withdrawn at any time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

Requests for payment before any meeting
Prices significantly below market rates
Refusal to verify identity in any way
Photos that look like stock images or too polished
Pressure to meet immediately without proper communication
Requests for unusual payment methods

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

Refusal to provide any screening information
Pressure to skip your screening process
Aggressive or disrespectful communication
Requests for services you don't offer
Attempts to negotiate rates excessively
Last-minute location changes
Requests to meet in isolated areas
Stories that seem inconsistent or suspicious

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.

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