Staying safe

How we help

• Every profile, opportunity and Borrow & Share listing is reviewed by a real person before it's published.
• Only signed-in members with checked creative profiles can post in the Common Room.
• Your email, phone number and exact address are never shown publicly. People reach you through a private form.
• Profiles, listings and Common Room messages have report links, and we review every report.
• We don't show ratings or “verified” badges unless they're based on something we've actually checked.

Working with someone new

• Agree the brief, price, deadline and payment terms in writing before you start.
• For larger commissions, consider a deposit and staged payments.
• Never pay to receive work, and be wary of overpayments followed by a request to send money back — a common scam.
• Don't share bank or card details by message or email unless you're confident who you're dealing with.
• Check out businesses independently — their website, reviews, Companies House.

Meeting in person

• Meet somewhere public first, or at a professional venue.
• Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to be back.
• You never have to share your home address to do business here.

Borrowing, hiring and sharing

• Use our short sharing checklist and confirm the item, condition, dates, cost and return plan in writing.
• Photograph equipment at handover and return, and stop if it appears unsafe or different from the listing.
• For paid hire or deposits, use a traceable payment method and keep a receipt. In The Loop does not take or hold payments.
• Do not list prohibited or high-risk items.
• Share an exact address privately only when necessary. A public meeting point may be better for smaller items.

At gatherings

In The Loop member accounts are currently for people aged 18 and over. Gatherings are welcoming and alcohol-optional; organisers should be clearly identifiable, and anyone can raise a concern during the event or with us afterwards. Any future event open to under-18s must say so explicitly and have a separate safeguarding plan.

Reporting

Use the “Report” link on any profile, opportunity, sharing listing or Common Room message, or contact us. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.