SAPIAN SAFETY TIPS

Your Safety Matters

At Sapian, we want you to have great experiences meeting new people. Your safety is the most important thing. This guide will help you stay safe while using our app and meeting others in person.
Remember: Sapian doesn't conduct background checks or verify identities. You are responsible for your own safety when meeting people from the app.
BEFORE YOU MEET
Take Your Time
Don't rush into meeting someone. Chat in the app for a while first to get a sense of who they are. If someone is pushy about meeting immediately, that's a red flag.
Ask questions about their interests, what they do, why they're on Sapian. See if their answers are consistent and feel genuine.
Check Their Profile
Look at their profile carefully:
Do they have multiple clear photos? Is their bio filled out with real information? Do their photos look consistent (same person, recent)? How long have they been on Sapian?
Red flags: Only one photo Photos look professionally shot or too perfect Contradictions in their profile Very little information Profile just created
Do Your Homework
If they mention their job, school, or social media, try to verify:
Search their name online Look them up on LinkedIn or other professional networks Check if their story matches what you find
Don't share too much about yourself before meeting. Keep your last name, workplace address, and home address private.
Tell Someone
Before every meeting, tell a friend or family member:
Who you're meeting (name, show them the profile) Where you're going (exact location) What time you're meeting When you expect to be back
Ask them to: Check in with you during the meeting Call or text at a specific time Know to contact you if you don't respond
Plan Your Exit
Before going, know how you'll get home:
Have transportation arranged (your car, public transit, rideshare) Keep your phone charged Have emergency numbers ready Know the address of where you're going
Trust Your Gut
If something feels off, cancel. You don't owe anyone an explanation. It's better to be overly cautious than to ignore your instincts.
Good reasons to cancel: They pressure you to meet Their story doesn't add up They won't video chat or send current photos They suggest meeting somewhere private Your gut says something is wrong
THE FIRST MEETING
Always Meet in Public
Never meet somewhere private for a first meeting. Choose:
Coffee shops or cafes Public parks (busy areas, not isolated trails) Popular restaurants Shopping areas Gyms or recreation centers
Never for first meetings: Their home or yours Their car Isolated areas (empty parks, trails, parking lots) Private venues
Meet During Daylight
Schedule first meetings:
During the day or early evening When places are busy Not late at night When you're alert and rested
Arrive Independently
Get there on your own:
Drive yourself or take public transit Don't let them pick you up Don't get in their car Meet at the location, not at your home
Keep It Short
First meetings should be brief:
Plan for 30-60 minutes Coffee or a short walk Easy to leave if needed
You can always extend if it's going well, but it's harder to leave a long commitment.
Stay Sober
Avoid alcohol on first meetings:
Keep a clear head Maintain good judgment Stay in control
Never leave your drink unattended.
Keep Your Phone Accessible
Have your phone:
Fully charged Within easy reach Not silenced Ready to call for help if needed
Set up a check-in call or text from a friend during the meeting.
DURING THE MEETING
Watch for Red Flags
Pay attention to warning signs:
They look nothing like their photos They lied about basic facts (age, job, marital status) They're overly aggressive or pushy They pressure you to go somewhere private They ask for money or financial help They're intoxicated or on drugs They make you uncomfortable They disrespect your boundaries
Trust Your Instincts
If something feels wrong:
You don't need to explain You don't need to be polite Just leave
Say: "I need to go" "This isn't working for me" "I don't feel well"
Then leave immediately. Your safety is more important than being polite.
Protect Your Personal Information
Don't share during first meetings:
Your home address Your workplace address Your last name (if you haven't already) Financial information Detailed family information Where you go regularly (gym, church, etc.)
Stay in Public
If they suggest:
Going somewhere private Getting in their car Going to their place or yours Moving to an isolated area
Say no. If they respect your boundaries, great. If they get pushy or angry, that's a major red flag - end the meeting.
Physical Boundaries
Appropriate for first meetings: Handshake Wave or fist bump Maybe a brief hug if you're both comfortable
Not appropriate: Unwanted touching Invasive questions Sexual comments or advances Pressure for physical contact
If they violate your boundaries, leave immediately.
AFTER THE MEETING
Debrief with Your Friend
Let your trusted person know:
You're home safe How it went Any concerns you have
Get Home Safely
Don't accept a ride home from them on a first meeting, even if it went well. Get home the way you planned.
Take Your Time
Don't feel pressured to:
Meet again immediately Share more personal info Move the relationship forward quickly
Take time to think about: Did you enjoy their company? Were they respectful? Did anything feel off? Do you want to see them again?
Second Meeting
If you want to meet again:
Still meet in public for the second and third meetings Gradually build trust over time Don't rush into private settings Keep telling friends where you're going
Block and Report
If they:
Were disrespectful Violated boundaries Made you uncomfortable Lied about basic facts Asked for money
Block them in the app and report them. You're helping keep others safe too.
RED FLAGS - WARNING SIGNS
Profile Red Flags
Photos look fake or like a model Only one photo Refuses to send current photos Won't video chat before meeting Profile information is vague or contradictory Just created their account Multiple grammar errors (possible scammer from another country)
Conversation Red Flags
Professes strong feelings very quickly ("love bombing") Asks very personal questions immediately Pushy about meeting right away Won't answer basic questions about themselves Story changes or has contradictions Asks for money or financial help Talks about financial troubles Asks about your financial situation
Meeting Red Flags
Insists on meeting somewhere private Won't meet in public Gets angry when you set boundaries Shows up intoxicated Looks nothing like their photos Age is very different than stated Lies about basic facts Brings someone else without telling you Pressures you to leave the public area Makes sexual advances Disrespects your "no" Aggressive or controlling behavior
Scam Red Flags
Sob story about needing money "Emergency" that requires your help Too good to be true (model looks, wealthy, perfect) Wants to move communication off the app immediately Refuses to meet in person (if ongoing) Asks you to send money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency Asks for financial information Wants you to invest in something Asks for help with immigration or visas
If you see these signs, stop communicating, block them, and report to Sapian.
ONLINE SAFETY
Protect Your Account
Use a strong password Never share your login information Log out on shared devices Enable two-factor authentication if available
What Not to Share in the App
Your phone number (until you've met and feel comfortable) Your email address Your home or work address Your last name (initially) Financial information Passwords or security questions Compromising photos
Be Careful with Photos
Don't send photos with identifying information: Street signs House numbers License plates Work badges School names Recognizable locations
Recognize Phishing
Sapian will never: Ask for your password in an email Request payment outside the app Ask for your credit card information via message
If you receive suspicious messages claiming to be from Sapian, report them to alexey.bystritsky@gmail.com
Screenshots and Sharing
Remember: Anyone can screenshot your messages or photos Don't send anything you wouldn't want shared Others might share your information outside the app Only share what you're comfortable becoming public
SPECIFIC SAFETY TIPS
For Walks
Choose busy, well-lit routes in safe neighborhoods Walk in populated parks or areas Don't go on isolated trails with someone new Meet at the location, don't let them pick you up Stay on main paths Tell someone your exact route Keep your phone accessible Be aware of your surroundings
For Sports/Fitness
Meet at public gyms or recreation centers Don't go to private home gyms for first meetings Be honest about your fitness level Don't let anyone pressure you beyond your limits Stay hydrated Know your physical limits Be cautious with contact sports
For Coffee/Meals
Meet at a cafe or restaurant, not their home Arrive separately Don't leave your drink unattended Arrange your own transportation home Decide on payment beforehand to avoid awkwardness Choose a place that's not too quiet (easier to leave) Pick somewhere you're familiar with if possible
WHAT TO DO IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG
During a Meeting - Immediate Danger
If you feel threatened:
Leave immediately Go to a public area with people Call emergency services (911 in US, 112 in EU) Don't worry about being rude - your safety comes first
After getting to safety: Call a friend or family member Go to a police station if necessary Report the user in the app
During a Meeting - Uncomfortable but Not Dangerous
If you're uncomfortable but not in danger:
Make an excuse to leave ("I'm not feeling well") Go to your car or call a rideshare Leave the area Block them in the app later
You don't owe anyone your time if you're uncomfortable.
After a Bad Meeting
Report the user in Sapian: Tap their profile → Report Select the reason Provide details and screenshots if relevant We'll review and take action
If they: Threatened you → report to police Harassed you → report in app and block Scammed you → report to police and app Followed you → report to police immediately
If You've Been Scammed
If someone got money from you:
Stop all contact immediately Report to local police Report to your bank/credit card company Report to the FBI (IC3.gov in the US) Report in Sapian app Block them everywhere
Don't send more money to "fix" the situation - that's another scam.
Stalking or Harassment
If someone from Sapian is stalking you:
Document everything (screenshots, dates, times) Report to police Get a restraining order if necessary Report in app - we'll ban them Block on all platforms Tell friends and family Vary your routine if possible
Emotional Support
If you've had a traumatic experience:
Talk to friends or family Contact a counselor or therapist Call a crisis helpline You're not alone - it's not your fault
US National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 US National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
FOR SPECIFIC GROUPS
Women
Tell friends where you're going Keep your location sharing on with trusted contacts Don't accept drinks you didn't see poured Trust your instincts about creepy behavior Don't worry about seeming rude Meet in very public, well-lit places
LGBTQ+ Users
Consider how "out" you want to be Be cautious about sharing your identity until you feel safe Meet in LGBTQ+ friendly areas if possible Tell someone you trust where you're going Trust your instincts about someone's reactions
Younger Users (18-25)
Be extra cautious about older users Don't be impressed by money or gifts Watch for controlling behavior Tell parents or friends where you're going Don't feel pressure to drink
Everyone
Trust your gut You can always leave You don't owe anyone anything Your safety is the priority It's okay to be "overly cautious"
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Emergency Numbers
US: 911 EU: 112 UK: 999 Always call local emergency services if you're in immediate danger
Safety and Support Organizations
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): rainn.org, 1-800-656-4673 National Domestic Violence Hotline: thehotline.org, 1-800-799-7233 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Sapian Support
Report in app: Use the Report button on any profile or chat Email: alexey.bystritsky@gmail.com We respond within 24-48 hours for most issues Immediate response for safety emergencies
FINAL THOUGHTS
Meeting new people should be fun and enriching, not scary. By following these safety tips, you can minimize risks and enjoy great experiences.
Remember:
Trust your instincts - they're usually right You can always say no You can always leave Your safety matters more than politeness It's okay to be cautious
Most people on Sapian are genuine and looking for authentic connections. These guidelines help you identify the small percentage who aren't.
Stay safe and enjoy meeting new people!
Questions or concerns: alexey.bystritsky@gmail.com
Last Updated: December 7, 2025