Safety & Scam Awareness Guide

1. General Safety Tips

• Research Roomies requires an .edu email address to create an account and use account-based features such as posting and contacting other users. However, posts and other publicly available content on the website can be viewed by anyone. An .edu email address does not by itself verify a user's identity, academic position, or intentions.
• Always verify the identity of anyone you plan to room with or share transportation with.
• Use video calls (Zoom, Teams, FaceTime) before committing to sharing accommodations.
• Ask for institutional affiliation (e.g., university, research group) and verify it independently.
• Meet in a public place (such as the conference venue) before traveling together or exchanging keys.
• Trust your instincts — if a conversation feels off, disengage.

2. Protecting Your Personal Information

• Do not share your home address, passport details, or financial information with other users.
• Use your professional or institutional email rather than a personal one if possible.
• Avoid sending photos of IDs or travel documents.
• Do not make payments or reimbursements until you have confirmed details with the other person.

3. Recognizing Scam Behavior

Be cautious if someone:

• Avoids video calls or claims their camera is "broken."
• Pressures you to commit quickly or demands payment up front.
• Sends unusually low-cost offers that seem too good to be true.
• Asks for gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or unusual payment methods.
• Claims an "emergency" that requires immediate money.

If any of these occur, do not proceed.

4. Money & Payment Safety

• Whenever possible, make hotel or car reservations through official websites where costs can be split at check-in.
• If sharing costs (such as an Airbnb), make sure all names are on the reservation when possible.
• Use secure and traceable payment methods (Venmo, PayPal, or bank transfer), not cash or gift cards.
• Keep screenshots or receipts of all agreements.

5. Meeting & Rooming Safety

• Choose hotels that have 24/7 staff and security.
• Share your travel plans with a colleague or friend.
• When you first meet your roommate, do so in a public, well-lit area.
• Lock valuables in your luggage or use hotel safes.
• Set clear expectations ahead of time (e.g., sleeping schedule, visitors, noise, shared rides).

6. Disclaimer

Research Roomies requires an .edu email address to create an account and use account-based features such as posting and contacting other users. Publicly available posts and other content on the website may be viewed by anyone, including people who do not have an .edu email address. The .edu requirement does not constitute verification of a user's identity, background, academic status, affiliation, or intent. We do not guarantee the accuracy or reliability of user-provided information and cannot guarantee the safety or reliability of users or arrangements made through the Service. We are not responsible for mediating disputes or monitoring communications or arrangements made outside the Service. Users are responsible for conducting their own due diligence and for their own personal safety and financial decisions.