Safety
Scams and scammy people seem to be an ever-growing population in the community. With a focus on proximity and getting to know people, we believe we can limit poor attitudes and behaviours. Just remember however that a true scammer is unlikely to meet you, usually because they are keyboard warriors and very seldom show their face. Here are a few suggestions in order to keep you safe:
Online Protocol (updated 1/3/2025)
- Be polite at all times
- If you suspect that someone is not who they say they are, request they become 5050 Verified (by uploading a vlog).
- There is safety in numbers. If you send a group invite you will be meeting with other people in a group. People are less inclined to demonstrate poor behaviour in a group.
- Never 'send money' to anyone you've met online. Please let us know via Contact Us if anyone has ever requested you send money.
- Never reveal financial information. Do not give out financial information whatsoever like credit card or bank account details.
- Messaging. Messaging on localsville is completely anonymous (i.e no one can ever retrieve your personal info like address, email, phone number, etc). The only way someone can know your details is if you give them out! Never give out contact details/personal info.
- Remember, it's message for message. If someone is not responding to your message, it's because they don't wish to!
- Be suspicious of anyone who keeps making excuses not to meet you. Scammers will never meet you in person.
- Don't get a false sense of security that you are protected by this website. You are not! Localsville does not carry out criminal checks on users. It is up to you to do your own research and make decisions before/after you decide to meet/have met someone or people.
- You can hit the Pause icon which appears on every profile photo. The Pause icon will 'give Pause' or prevent someone from contacting you for a period of time (about two weeks) You can report a member by clicking on the Report Member button.
- You can become 5050 Verified (the 5050 V badge will show on your profile photo when you have a vlog uploaded). You can request that someone else becomes 5050 Verified (5050 V) or contact only members who are.
How We Try To Keep You Safe (in the real world)
1. Localsville was created with the 5050 Protocol in mind, which is to remain independent so there is no obligation to anyone. (You already agreed to the 5050 Protocol when you registered).
2. We are about meeting people from your area so you do not have to travel far.
3. We make it possible for you to send a group invite. There is safety in numbers.
4. We make it possible for you to meet up in a public place (you can meet up at any biz/org or select any cafe from the Google map). A public place with people around tends to be safer.
5. Just remember that if you intend to drink alcohol that it impairs judgement.
6. Trust your instincts.
7. Take your phone and tell someone of your whereabouts.
Remember, the way to remain a valued member of your community is to not only to do things for others, but to reserve your judgement. No one likes to be judged!