Safety Tips
Meeting new people can be an exciting experience in many ways, but it’s essential to stay vigilant and prioritize your safety. Whether you’re exchanging messages or planning to meet in person, this is an aspect you should remain mindful of by trusting your intuition and adopting certain practices to protect yourself. Some of the precautions to take include:
Online Safety: Protect Your Information
Never Share Sensitive Information
When interacting with other users, avoid sharing personal information such as your social security number, address, or details about your daily routine. These are pieces of information that malicious individuals can misuse. If you’re a parent, be particularly cautious about what you share regarding your children. Limit details like their name, school, or age.
Never Send Money
It is crucial never to send money to someone you’ve met on Chat&Yamo, no matter the situation. Requests for money, even under the pretense of an emergency, are often signs of a scam. If a user asks you for money, report them immediately. Remember that online financial transactions are hard to reverse, and recovering sent funds is almost impossible.
Communicate Only on the Platform
For your safety, it’s best to chat only on our platform until you feel comfortable. Some ill-intentioned users may try to get you to move off the platform to communicate via SMS, phone, or email. By staying on Chat&Yamo, you benefit from the protection that our app provides.
Be Cautious with Long-Distance Relationships
Long-distance relationships can be tricky, and you should be wary of scams related to international dating. Pay attention to users who claim to be from your country but are currently abroad, especially if they ask for financial help to return home. If someone refuses to meet in person or have a video call, it could be a sign they are not sincere. Take your time to get to know the person well before getting more involved.
Report Any Suspicious Behavior
If you feel that someone is crossing the line, it’s important to report them. Block and report anyone who violates our terms of service. Here are some behaviors to watch out for:
- Requests for money or donations
- Harassment or threats
- Inappropriate behavior during a meeting
- Fake profiles or spam
You can report any suspicious behavior directly from your profile or messaging window. We take these reports very seriously and are committed to maintaining a safe environment for all our users.
Protect Your Account
Make sure to choose a strong password for your account and avoid logging in from public or shared computers. Chat&Yamo will never ask you for your password via email. If you receive suspicious messages, report them immediately.
Safety Tips for In-Person Meetings
Don’t Rush
Before meeting someone, take the time to get to know them well. Don’t hesitate to ask questions that can provide clues about the other person’s character. If you find any suspicious elements, be discerning. In most cases, a phone call or video chat can be an excellent way to better understand the person before meeting face-to-face.
Choose a Public Place for Your Dates
For your first meetings, opt for lively public places like a café, restaurant, or park. Avoid going to your home, your date’s home, or any other private location. If your date insists on going to an isolated place, don’t hesitate to end the meeting. Your safety should always come first.
Inform Your Friends or Family
Before you leave, let a friend or relative know where you’re going and what time you plan to return. Make sure your mobile phone is charged and within reach. This will allow you to stay connected and ask for help if necessary.
Maintain Control Over Your Transportation
It’s important to have control over your transportation so you can leave whenever you want. If you drive, consider having a backup plan, like a ride-sharing app or a friend who can pick you up. Never feel obligated to rely on someone else when it’s time to go home.
Be Aware of Your Limits
Be mindful of the effects of alcohol or drugs on you. These substances can impair your judgment and alertness. If your date tries to pressure you into drinking or consuming more than you’re comfortable with, be firm and end the meeting. You should be able to stay in control of the situation.
Never Leave Your Drink or Belongings Unattended
Keep an eye on your drink and personal items. For example, never leave your drink unattended, and only accept drinks that are served by the bartender or server. Many substances can be added to drinks without your knowledge. Also, keep an eye on your phone, handbag, and other items that might contain your personal information.
Trust Your Instincts
If you feel uncomfortable at any point, consider ending the date. Trust your instincts: if something feels off or you feel unsafe, ask for help from the venue staff. Your safety is the top priority.
Travel Safety Tips
Respect Local Laws
Before traveling to a new destination, take the time to research the local laws regarding LGBTQ+ rights. Familiarize yourself with the legal protections that might be available based on your sexual orientation. This can help you assess potential risks and make informed decisions during your trip.
Adjust Your Profile Settings
If you’re in a high-risk area, we recommend disabling the “Show My Profile” option by clicking the button in the top right corner of the Chat&Yamo home screen. This will help you stay safe and protect your privacy. If you’ve added a sexual orientation to your profile, we will hide this information until you are out of the risk zone (when you deactivate your profile display).
Be Cautious in Your Communications
When communicating with new people in countries where laws are restrictive, exercise caution. Some law enforcement agencies use dating apps as tools to entrap users. Additionally, recent legislation in certain regions criminalizes communication between same-sex individuals on dating platforms. Penalties can be severe, especially if these communications lead to sexual encounters.
Stay Informed About Available Resources
To stay updated on sexual orientation laws worldwide, visit the ILGA World website. They provide up-to-date information on the status of LGBTQ+ rights in various countries.
Sexual Health and Consent
Sexual health is key to building healthy and fulfilling relationships. We encourage all our users to take care of their sexual health and respect mutual consent in all interactions. Here’s how:
Protect Yourself
Correct and consistent use of condoms is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of contracting or transmitting sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. However, it’s important to note that some STIs, like herpes or HPV, can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. To further reduce the risk of contracting certain STIs, consider getting vaccinated, especially against HPV.
Stay Updated on Your Status
Since not all STIs show visible symptoms, it’s important to get tested regularly. Don’t bury your head in the sand about this: stay informed about your health and prevent the spread of STIs by visiting a testing center.
Talk to Your Partner
Before becoming physically intimate with a partner, don’t hesitate to discuss sexual health and STI testing. Be aware that in some places, it is illegal to knowingly transmit an STI to someone else.
Consent
Consent should be mutual and confirmed repeatedly by both partners. Verbal communication is an excellent way to ensure each other’s boundaries are respected and to avoid crossing any red lines. Remember that you can stop the act at any time. You are under no obligation to engage in sexual favors, and it’s important to stop if your partner seems uncomfortable or unsure.
If either of you is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you may not be able to give informed consent.
With these safety tips, you can enjoy your experience on Chat&Yamo with peace of mind. Remember that safety is a priority, and it’s always best to be cautious when interacting with strangers.
Take the time to get to know the people you’re talking to, and don’t hesitate to report any suspicious behavior.
