Safety & Security
Your safety is our top priority. Learn how to protect yourself and have a secure experience on AuCare.
Stay Safe Online
Recognize & Avoid Scams
- •Requests for money, wire transfers, or gift cards
- •Asking to communicate outside the platform immediately
- •Profiles with stock photos or inconsistent information
- •Too-good-to-be-true offers or urgent pressure to decide
- •Poor grammar, spelling, or generic messages
- •Requests for personal documents before meeting
- •Stories of emergencies or hardships requiring money
- ✓Always video call before agreeing to any arrangement
- ✓Verify profile photos with a live video call
- ✓Check references from previous hosts or students
- ✓Keep all communication on the AuCare platform
- ✓Never share financial information or bank details
- ✓Trust your instincts – if it feels wrong, it probably is
- ✓Report suspicious profiles or messages immediately
Examples of Scam Messages
"I'm interested in hosting you, but I need you to pay a deposit fee first..."
"My grandmother is very ill and I need to send money urgently. Can you help?"
"Let's move our conversation to WhatsApp/email right away..."
"I can only accept payment through Western Union or gift cards..."
If you receive messages like these, report them immediately and do not respond.
Safe Communication Guidelines
Why stay on platform?
- •Keep all messages on the AuCare platform
- •Don't share personal email or phone number until comfortable
- •Be cautious of profiles that seem too perfect
- •Ask specific questions to verify authenticity
- •Never discuss payment or money transfers
What to Keep Private
- • Full home address until after thorough vetting
- • Passport or ID numbers
- • Banking or financial information
- • Workplace or school exact location
- • Daily routine and when you're home alone
When to Share Information
- • Share your general neighborhood (not exact address) initially
- • Exchange contact info after multiple video calls
- • Confirm arrangements in writing on the platform
- • Wait until you've met in a neutral place first
Safe Meeting Guidelines
- 1.Have multiple video calls
See their home, meet other household members, verify their identity
- 2.Check references
Contact previous students/hosts and ask specific questions
- 3.Share your plans
Tell family/friends where you're going, who you're meeting, and when to expect contact
- 4.Trust your gut
If something doesn't feel right, don't proceed. There will be other opportunities
Before the meeting:
- Share meeting details with a friend/family member
- Arrange your own transportation
- Meet during daytime hours
- Have your phone fully charged
During the meeting:
- Meet in a public place first
- Bring a friend if you feel more comfortable
- Check in with someone during/after
- Pay attention to your surroundings
Privacy Protection
All users must verify their identity before being able to contact matches.
We conduct background checks on participants to ensure community safety.
All platform messages are encrypted and monitored for safety.
How to Report & Get Help
Report a Profile
If a profile seems fake, suspicious, or violates our guidelines, click 'Report' on the profile page. Include as much detail as possible.
Report a Message
Suspicious or inappropriate messages can be reported directly from the chat. Our team reviews all reports within 24 hours.
Block a User
Block any user who makes you uncomfortable. Blocked users cannot contact you or see your profile.
Contact Support
For urgent concerns, contact our support team directly at support@aucare.org. We're committed to your safety.
In Case of Emergency
If you feel you are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services right away.
Emergency Numbers (Europe):
Police/Fire/Ambulance
112
Local Police (varies)
Check your local number
AuCare Safety Team
support@aucare.org