Safety Guidelines

Your safety matters. Skip The Games is a classifieds directory — we don't screen or verify any listings. That means it's on you to protect yourself. Here are some practical tips to keep in mind.

Before You Meet

• Keep personal details private. Don't share your full name, home address, workplace, or financial information with someone you haven't met yet. Use a nickname or first name only.
• Use a separate phone number. Consider using a Google Voice number or a prepaid phone instead of your personal number. This keeps your real number private and makes it easy to cut contact if needed.
• Do your homework. If they give you a phone number, Google it. Reverse image search their photos. Look for red flags — inconsistent stories, refusal to video chat, or pressure to meet immediately.
• Trust your gut. If something feels off during the conversation — pushy behavior, vague answers, requests for money upfront — it probably is. Walk away. There will be other opportunities.

When You Meet

• Always meet in public first. Coffee shops, restaurants, hotel lobbies — somewhere with other people around. Never go directly to a private location for a first meeting.
• Tell someone where you're going. Share the time, location, and the person's contact details with a friend or family member. Set up a check-in time so someone knows if you don't return when expected.
• Drive yourself. Don't get in their car or let them pick you up for a first meeting. Having your own transportation means you can leave whenever you want.
• Stay sober. Keep a clear head. Alcohol and substances cloud your judgment and make you more vulnerable.
• Bring your phone, fully charged. Make sure you have a way to call for help or an Uber if you need to leave quickly.

Protecting Your Money

• Never send money in advance. Anyone asking you to wire money, send gift cards, or pay via cryptocurrency before meeting is almost certainly running a scam. No exceptions.
• Watch out for "verification" scams. If someone asks you to sign up for a website or enter your credit card to "verify your identity," it's a scam. Legitimate people don't do this.
• Don't bring large amounts of cash. Only bring what you need. Leave valuables, extra cards, and unnecessary cash at home.

Recognizing Red Flags

• They refuse to talk on the phone or video chat before meeting
• Their photos look too professional or like stock images
• They want to move to a different platform immediately (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.)
• They're overly aggressive or create a false sense of urgency
• They ask for payment or deposits before you've even met
• Their story keeps changing or doesn't add up

If Something Goes Wrong

• Leave immediately. If you feel unsafe at any point, get out. Don't worry about being polite — your safety comes first.
• Call 911 if you're in danger. Don't hesitate to involve law enforcement if you feel threatened.
• Report it to us. Use our Report Abuse page to flag suspicious or dangerous listings so we can take action.
• Report to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 if you suspect trafficking.

A Final Word

Most people using classifieds are genuine, but bad actors do exist. Being cautious doesn't mean being paranoid — it means being smart. Take your time, verify what you can, and never let anyone pressure you into something you're uncomfortable with.

Stay safe out there.