Safety Guidelines

1. General Safety Principles

1.1 Core Safety Rules

• Meet in public places: Always choose well-lit, populated areas for initial meetings
• Bring a friend: Consider bringing someone with you, especially for higher-value transactions
• Verify identity: Confirm the person is a legitimate student before meeting
• Use secure payment methods: Avoid cash for large amounts; use traceable payment methods
• Keep personal information private: Don't share your address, financial details, or other sensitive information

1.2 Red Flags to Watch For

• Pressure tactics: Rushing you to make quick decisions
• Too good to be true: Prices significantly below market value
• Poor communication: Evasive answers, poor grammar, or generic responses
• Unusual payment requests: Gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
• Meeting location changes: Last-minute requests to meet in private or isolated areas
• No student verification: Inability or unwillingness to verify student status

2. Marketplace Transaction Safety

2.1 Before the Transaction

Preparation is key to safe transactions:

• Research the seller/buyer: Check their profile, reviews, and ratings
• Ask detailed questions: Get specifics about condition, age, and any issues
• Request additional photos: Ask for more angles or specific details
• Verify functionality: For electronics, ask for proof that items work
• Agree on meeting details: Time, location, payment method, and what to bring

2.2 Safe Meeting Locations

2.3 During the Transaction

• Arrive on time: Don't keep others waiting in public spaces
• Inspect thoroughly: Check condition, functionality, and authenticity
• Test electronics: Make sure devices turn on and work properly
• Count money carefully: Verify all bills are genuine if using cash
• Get a receipt: Write down transaction details and both parties' information
• Trust your instincts: If something feels wrong, politely end the transaction

2.4 Payment Safety

3. Housing Safety

3.1 Finding Safe Housing

Whether you're looking for housing or offering a room, prioritize safety:

• Verify legitimacy: Confirm the person has authority to rent or sublet
• Research the area: Check neighborhood safety ratings and campus proximity
• Visit in person: Never rent sight unseen or based only on photos
• Bring a friend: Have someone accompany you to viewings
• Check references: Ask for previous landlord or roommate references

3.2 Roommate Safety

• Meet in public first: Get to know potential roommates before committing
• Check social media: Look for red flags or concerning behavior
• Ask the right questions: Lifestyle habits, cleanliness, guests, and boundaries
• Get everything in writing: Rules, expenses, and expectations
• Emergency contacts: Exchange emergency contact information
• Trial period: Consider a short-term arrangement first

3.3 Housing Scam Warning Signs

3.4 Legal Protection

• Read lease agreements: Understand all terms and conditions
• Know tenant rights: Research local and state tenant protection laws
• Document everything: Keep records of payments, communications, and issues
• Security deposits: Understand when and how deposits will be returned
• Insurance needs: Consider renter's insurance for personal belongings

4. Event Safety

4.1 Before Attending Events

• Research the organizer: Verify they're legitimate and have a good reputation
• Check event details: Location, time, capacity, and safety measures
• Tell someone your plans: Share event details and expected return time
• Plan transportation: Know how you'll get there and back safely
• Bring a friend: Attend with people you trust when possible

4.2 During Events

• Stay aware: Keep your phone charged and stay alert to your surroundings
• Stick together: Don't leave friends behind or go off alone
• Watch your drinks: Never leave drinks unattended or accept drinks from strangers
• Know the exits: Identify exit routes in case of emergency
• Trust your instincts: Leave if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe

4.3 Alcohol and Party Safety

5. Online Safety and Privacy

5.1 Protecting Personal Information

• Limit what you share: Don't post your full address, schedule, or financial information
• Use Flin messaging: Keep initial conversations on platform before sharing phone numbers
• Be careful with photos: Avoid images that reveal personal information or location
• Privacy settings: Review and adjust your profile visibility settings
• Social media caution: Be mindful of what you share on linked accounts

5.2 Recognizing Scams

5.3 Account Security

• Strong passwords: Use unique, complex passwords for all accounts
• Two-factor authentication: Enable 2FA when available
• Regular updates: Keep your app and device software updated
• Secure networks: Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions
• Log out properly: Sign out of accounts on shared devices

6. Mental Health and Wellbeing

6.1 Recognizing Stress and Burnout

College can be stressful. Watch for signs you need support:

• Academic pressure: Overwhelming workload or performance anxiety
• Financial stress: Struggling to afford necessities or education costs
• Social isolation: Feeling disconnected from peers or support systems
• Sleep disruption: Trouble sleeping or constant fatigue
• Mood changes: Persistent sadness, anxiety, or irritability

6.2 Campus Resources

6.3 Crisis Resources

7. Financial Safety

7.1 Protecting Your Finances

• Budget wisely: Track income and expenses to avoid overspending
• Monitor accounts: Check bank and credit card statements regularly
• Avoid debt traps: Be cautious with credit cards and high-interest loans
• Emergency fund: Save money for unexpected expenses
• Identity protection: Safeguard Social Security number and financial information

7.2 Common Financial Scams Targeting Students

7.3 Smart Money Habits

• Use Flin wisely: Buy/sell to save money, but don't overspend
• Compare prices: Research market values before buying or selling
• Keep receipts: Document transactions for warranty or dispute purposes
• Plan major purchases: Sleep on big decisions and research thoroughly
• Build credit responsibly: Pay bills on time and keep balances low

8. Reporting Safety Issues

8.1 When to Report

Report safety concerns immediately when you experience or witness:

• Threats or harassment from other users
• Suspicious or fraudulent activity
• Safety issues during transactions or meetups
• Inappropriate behavior at events
• Violations of community guidelines
• Technical issues that could compromise safety

8.2 How to Report

8.3 What to Include in Reports

• Detailed description: What happened, when, and where
• User information: Profile names, usernames, or contact details
• Evidence: Screenshots, photos, or messages
• Impact: How the incident affected you or others
• Immediate needs: Whether you need urgent assistance

9. Safety Resources and Support

9.1 Emergency Contacts

9.2 Safety Apps and Tools

• Campus safety apps: Many schools have their own safety apps
• Location sharing: Share your location with trusted contacts
• Emergency alerts: Sign up for campus and local emergency notifications
• Transportation apps: Use reputable rideshare or public transit apps
• Personal safety devices: Consider safety whistles or personal alarms

9.3 Building Your Safety Network

• Stay connected: Maintain relationships with family and friends
• Join communities: Participate in clubs, organizations, or study groups
• Know your neighbors: Build relationships with dorm or apartment neighbors
• Find mentors: Connect with upperclassmen, faculty, or staff
• Be a good friend: Look out for others and ask for help when needed

10. Staying Safe Year-Round

10.1 Seasonal Safety Considerations

10.2 Academic Year Transitions

• New student orientation: Extra vigilance during adjustment periods
• Finals stress: Increased vulnerability to scams and poor decisions
• Move-in/move-out: Busy times with increased theft and scam risks
• Study abroad: Additional safety considerations for international travel

11. Contact and Support

Your safety is our highest priority. If you have questions about these guidelines or need to report a safety issue:

We respond to safety reports within 2-4 hours during business hours and monitor urgent reports 24/7. For immediate emergencies, always contact local authorities first.