Safety Tips
Your safety is our priority.
MatchaMocha is designed to get you offline and into the real world. While we can’t control every interaction, we want to empower you with the tools and knowledge to date safely. Trust your gut—if something feels off, it probably is.
1. Meeting In Real Life (IRL)
Since our app focuses on in-person dates, these rules are critical.
- Public Venues Only: Always meet in a busy, public space. MatchaMocha's algorithm automatically suggests safe, public venues for this exact reason. Avoid private homes, hotel rooms, or secluded areas for the first few dates.
- Stay In Control of Your Ride: Be in charge of your own transportation. drive yourself, take a ride-share, or use public transit. Don't let your date pick you up or drop you off at your home until you know them well.
- Share Your Plans: Tell a friend or family member where you’re going and who you’re meeting. Consider sharing your live location with a trusted contact during the date.
- Watch Your Drink: Never leave your drink unattended. If you need to use the restroom, finish your drink or order a new one when you return. Only accept drinks poured directly by the bartender/server.
2. Digital Smarts & Scams
Protect yourself before you even meet.
- Keep it on MatchaMocha: Scammers often try to move you to WhatsApp, Telegram, or text immediately to avoid our safety filters. Keep the chat in the app until you've verified they are real (preferably by meeting!).
- Money = Immediate Block: Never send money, crypto, or financial info to a match. Whether it's for an "emergency," a "great investment opportunity," or "travel costs"—it is always a scam. Report them immediately.
- Guard Personal Info: Don't share your home address, work schedule, or kids' school locations. Wait until you've built trust.
3. Consent & Health
Respect is non-negotiable.
- Consent is Everything: Consent must be clear, enthusiastic, and ongoing. It can be withdrawn at any time. If you're unsure, ask. If the answer isn't a "HECK YES," it's a no.
- Sexual Health: If things get physical, protect yourself and your partner. We encourage regular STI testing and open conversations about sexual health before intimacy.
- Know Your Limits: Be aware of how alcohol or substances affect your judgment. If a date pressures you to drink more than you want, that's a red flag. Leave.
4. LGBTQ+ Travel Awareness
We love our diverse community, but the world isn't always as welcoming.
- Travel With Caution: If you're traveling, be aware that some countries have laws criminalizing LGBTQ+ relationships. Check local laws and resources (like ILGA World) before using the app abroad.
- Hide Profile: If you are in an unsafe region, you can toggle off "Show me on MatchaMocha" in settings to hide your profile while you travel.
Reporting Bad Behavior
We enforce these standards strictly. You can report anyone who violates our rules directly from their profile or chat. Violations include harassment, catfishing, solicitation, and threats.
Stay safe, and have fun finding your match!