Guidelines for Handling Harassment, Stalking, and Non-Consensual Content Sharing

Effective Date: December 12, 2024

 

In Catch Me If You Can your safety is important to us, that is why our app has resources available to help you. If you experience abusive or inappropriate behavior/content through our app, do not hesitate to report it and seek support. You are NOT alone.

 

We have built-in mechanisms to report users who engage in abusive, harassing, or inappropriate behavior. In Catch Me If You Can you have the option to report by clicking on the Report Button in any of these different situations: in a profile, in a chat, in plans, in dreams, etc. Furthermore, you can block the user to prevent further contact with our Block Feature.

 

But it is important to remember that only you can protect yourself by taking certain precautions when using our app. These guidelines can significantly reduce the risk of encountering dangerous situations and enjoy a safer online dating experience. 

Online Safety:

  • Protect your personal information: Never share sensitive information like your full name, address, workplace, or financial details with someone you have not met in person and trust.

  • Never send money:If you are chatting with a person who claims to be in an emergency situation and asks you for money, do not wire money. After the money is sent, it is nearly impossible to reverse the transaction or trace where the money went. Please report that user immediately.

  • Be wary of fake profiles: Be cautious of profiles that seem too perfect or have limited information. Reverse image search profile pictures to verify their authenticity.

  • Use the app's features: Take advantage of in-app messaging and video chat to get to know someone before meeting in person. If you feel unsafe or in danger, you have the options to report users, plans and dreams, and block profiles.

  • Trust your instincts: If something feels off, it probably is. Do not feel pressured to meet someone or continue a conversation if you are uncomfortable. End that conversation and leave the chat. If that user continues their behaviour, use the block profile button.

In-Person Safety:

In 2017, research on dating apps and violent sexual assault cases by Dr. Julie Valentine, which focused on the characteristics of sexual assaults in the context of contacts through dating apps, emphasized that sexual assaults through dating apps tended to occur at the first in-person meeting. In light of this, we advise all Catch Me If You Can users to proceed with caution when meeting in the plan and dream modules.

  • Meet in a public place: Choose a well-lit, populated area for your first few dates. Avoid meeting at home or in isolated locations.

  • Tell a friend: Share your plans with a trusted friend, including the person's name, where you are going, and when you expect to be back.

  • Be aware of your surroundings: Stay alert and trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe, leave immediately.

  • Do not leave your drink unattended: Always keep an eye on your drink to avoid the risk of being drugged.

  • Have an exit strategy: Plan how you will get home, whether it is by public transportation, ride-sharing, or your own vehicle.

Additional Tips:

  • Do a background check: Use online tools to research the person's social media profiles and any public records.

  • Video chat before meeting: This can help you verify their identity and get a better sense of who they are.

  • Set boundaries: Communicate your comfort levels and expectations clearly. Do not be afraid to say no to anything that makes you feel uncomfortable.

  • Trust your gut: If something feels wrong, do not ignore it. Your safety is the most important thing.

 

If you're using Catch Me If You Can and need to report dangerous behaviors like harassment, stalking, sexual harassment, non-consensual content sharing, or scams, here are detailed steps to take action and find help in the U.S.:

 

1. Use the App's Reporting Tools

Catch Me If You Can provides a Report Button and a Block Profile Button, which are your first line of defense:

  • Locate the Report Button:

  • This is typically found in the user’s profile or within your chat with them. Click it to initiate a report.

  • Provide as much detail as possible, including screenshots, specific messages, or dates of the incident.

  • Block the User:

  • Use the Block Profile Button to stop the person from contacting you further. Blocking ensures they cannot view your profile or send you messages.

 

2. Collect Evidence

Before reporting:

  • Take screenshots of any threatening or inappropriate messages, images, or interactions.

  • Record important details, such as the user’s profile name and the dates of the incidents.

  • Preserve any other relevant communications or information.

 

3. Know What to Report

Here are examples of behaviors that are dangerous and should be reported:

  • Harassment: Repeated unwanted messages, verbal abuse, or threats.

  • Stalking: Following or monitoring you obsessively, even outside the app.

  • Sexual Harassment: Sending explicit content or making inappropriate comments without your consent.

  • Non-Consensual Content Sharing: Sharing or threatening to share intimate images without your permission.

  • Scams: Attempts to solicit money, fake profiles, or phishing for personal information.

 

4. Escalate to Law Enforcement (if necessary)

If the behavior violates U.S. laws or makes you feel unsafe, report it to law enforcement:

  • Harassment and Stalking: Contact your local police department or sheriff's office.

  • Non-Consensual Content Sharing: Report to local authorities and seek support from the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative (CCRI).

  • Scams: Report financial scams or fraud to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at https://www.ic3.gov.

 

5. Seek Help and Resources

If you feel overwhelmed, unsafe, or need further support, here are resources in the U.S.:

 

6. Protect Yourself

  • Avoid sharing personal information, like your address or financial details, with anyone on the app.

  • By reporting these behaviors promptly, you not only protect yourself but also contribute to a safer community for other users.