Tips for safe face-to-face meetups

Fiverr hosts both online and offline services. Here are some safety tips for services that need face-to-face meetings.

These safety tips are suggestions. The use of local services is at your own risk. Fiverr is not responsible or liable for client/freelancer behavior. See our Terms of Service.

Something to report?

If you attended a meeting and the client/freelancer acted unprofessionally—regarding the order, by asking for personal or payment details, or similar—report it to Customer Support. 

 

Before & after the meeting

Some points to consider before (and after) meeting a client/freelancer.

Communications

Only message using your Fiverr inbox—don’t use your personal email (potential malware or virus issues) or any social networking profiles.

Think about the following:

  • Have the online communications been polite and professional?
  • Did they ask for personal details, payment, something else?
  • Did they ask overly personal questions?

Phone number

Try not to share your personal home/mobile phone number. 

Check if your region has a free voice account similar to Google Voice.

 

Private information 

Do not share the following information:

  • Identification: National ID, social security number, driver’s license, passport, etc.
  • Address: Home or work
  • Phone number: Home, work, mobile
  • Bank or payment information
  • Per our Terms of Service, payments are only made via Fiverr 
  • When you pay via Fiverr, Customer Support can help if there is a payment issue

Getting ready to meet  

Keep a few safety measures in mind when meeting a client/freelancer in person.

Search online 

Did you try and learn something about the other person?

  • Search the internet, try LinkedIn, etc.
  • Is there a profile picture? You can do a reverse online search

Share meeting information 

  • Tell a trusted person the meeting address and start/end times
  • Charge your phone and maybe add a tracking app
  • Arrange your own transportation

Learn the location

  • Try to meet in a public place
  • Unfamiliar with the meeting locale? 
    • Search for information about the neighborhood
    • Arrive early to look around
  • Meeting at a private address? If it concerns you...
    • Ask about pets, ex. Large dogs!
    • Ask if there will be disturbances, ex. children

Arrive at the meeting

Don’t enter or leave immediately...

  • If you are uncomfortable with the meeting location or conditions
  • If you feel uncomfortable with the conversation
  • If you think a participant is under the influence of alcohol or drugs

If the meeting goes ahead, keep in mind that you should always keep your food and/or drink in view at all times.

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