Safety Tips for Meeting New People

My Mate Finder member verification and check-in process

Our Commitment

Every Member Verified, Every Activity Hosted

Before anyone can RSVP to a first activity, we verify their identity against a government-issued ID and confirm they've agreed to our community guidelines. This isn't a one-time checkbox — it's the baseline every member across Chicago has already agreed to before you ever meet them.

A trained My Mate Finder host attends every group activity we run, with no exceptions. Hosts introduce new members, keep the group moving, and carry a direct line to our safety team if anything needs attention on the spot.

Government ID verification required before a first RSVP

A trained host attends every single group activity

Zero-tolerance policy on harassment or unsafe conduct

Every report reviewed by our safety team within 24 hours

Before You Meet Up

Habits Worth Using Every Time

These cost you nothing and remove most of the risk that comes with meeting someone new in person, whether it's through My Mate Finder or anywhere else.

1

Meet in public for your first activity

Every My Mate Finder first-time meetup happens at a public venue — a park, a studio, a restaurant — never a private residence.

2

Tell a friend your plans

Share the activity name, address, and roughly when you expect to be done with someone you trust before you head out.

3

Arrange your own transportation

Drive yourself, take transit, or book your own rideshare rather than depending on a new acquaintance for a ride, especially the first time.

4

Keep your phone charged and on you

A small thing, but it matters if plans change or you simply want to check in with someone during the activity.

5

Trust your instincts

If something feels off, you're always welcome to leave. Find your host, say you have to go, and skip the explanation.

Know What To Watch For

Smart Habits, And Reasons To Pause

Smart moves that help

Keep early conversation on the app until you've met the group in person once

Introduce yourself to your host as soon as you arrive at an activity

Report anything uncomfortable right after it happens, not weeks later

Reasons to pause and report

Someone pushes you to skip the group and meet one-on-one right away

A member asks you for money, gift cards, or financial information

Someone refuses basic verification or won't confirm their name matches their profile

Behind The Scenes

How We Screen Every Member

1

ID Verification

Every member uploads a government-issued ID before attending an activity, checked against their profile details.

2

Guidelines Agreement

Members agree to our community conduct standards before their first RSVP is approved.

3

Host Training

Every activity host completes a safety briefing and carries emergency contact information for the group.

4

Ongoing Reporting

Members can flag a concern anytime through the app; our safety team reviews every report within 24 hours.

Common Questions

Safety FAQ

Q. What happens after I report someone?

Our safety team reviews every report within 24 hours. Depending on what's reported, outcomes range from a warning to a permanent removal from My Mate Finder.

Q. Do you run background checks?

We verify government-issued ID against each profile. We encourage members to use the same public-meeting habits they'd use meeting anyone new, since ID verification alone can't guarantee behavior.

Q. Can I leave an activity early if I want to?

Yes, anytime. Just let your host know so they aren't left wondering where you went. No explanation is required.

Q. Who can I contact if something feels wrong during an activity?

Your host is on-site at every activity specifically for this. You can also call our office directly at (312) 555-0198 during business hours.

Meeting New People Safely Starts Here