Safety Tips / Security / Privacy

Many people you meet online are worthy of your trust, still there is no denying that there are desperate characters hiding in the digital world who can be dangerous, especially when your online interactions lead to private information or in-person exchanges / events. TheHumSum.org Gift / Wish sections offer a platform for people to give or receive items that might otherwise end up in the waste stream. TheHumSum.org Eco-Events section offers a platform for meeting up to volunteer or attend planet-friendly activities.  We anticipate that the vast majority of exchanges will be exactly what they say they are on the box, ideally friendly and harmonious.  Still we do encourage users to exercise caution when connecting through this site.

Always wise to practice common sense, and especially in regard to online interactions.  To avoid becoming a victim of a crime, please exercise caution when meeting another user from any website including TheHumSum.org especially when picking up or dropping off a donated item. When meeting another user from our site for the first time, please make sure that you:

• Meet, whenever possible, in a busy public place like a shopping center, parking lot, coffee shop, or a grocery store. Don’t ever meet in a secluded area.
• Never invite a stranger into your home to look at an item. If you have to give a stranger your home address because the item is too large to carry to a public place, at least try to bring the item outside your front door before the person comes over.
• We highly recommend bringing / having a friend or a family member with you when you meet someone.
• Before you meet with someone, tell a friend or family member where you are going.
• Bring your cell phone with you when you meet someone.
• Trust your instincts. If something seems off about someone you meet, simply walk away, don’t worry about being rude.  Safety trumps manners.  Apologies can always and only be made later if you’re still alive and well!

Using TheHumSum.org Eco-Event’s Calendar is a wonderful way to meet like-minded, planet-friendly people.  Still, you should never put your personal safety at risk.  Take sensible precautions each time you plan to meet a / other member(s) in-person.

• Look up the location in advance and ensure it is a safe and public space.
• We highly recommend bringing / having a friend or a family member with you when you meet someone.
• Look at the posting for other attendees.
• Review / comment on the event afterwards to help others on the site know what you learned for future events.

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