# How do I keep my information safe from scammers? > Wag! will NEVER contact you directly to ask for your password or banking information. If you receive a suspicious call or message, DO NOT REPLY. Source: https://support.wagwalking.com/en_us/how-do-i-keep-my-information-safe-from-scammers-pcg-S1g03804c Last updated: 2025-09-12T23:03:25.588Z #### Your safety and security on the Wag! Platform are our top priorities. While the Wag! Pet Caregiver app incorporates multiple safeguards; your vigilance in protecting your information is crucial. _**Wag! Support will never reach out to you to ask for your password, banking information, or personal contact information. It is imperative that you do not share sensitive information with anyone. Wag! is unable to assist with any recovery efforts for lost funds when sensitive information was willingly disclosed.**_ #### # **Reporting Scam or Phishing Attempts** #### Promptly report any potential scammers or phishing attacks to Wag! Support to ensure the safety of everyone on the Wag! platform. This allows us to investigate and take appropriate action.  You have several options for reporting potential scammers or phishers, whether you were contacted through a Direct Booking Request or in an in-app Chat. Additionally, you can always directly contact Wag! Support through the help center chat to confirm any schedule or account changes. #### ## Direct Booking Requests #### From the Wag! Pet Caregiver app home screen: 1\. At the top of the ‘Available Services’ feed, locate the Direct Booking Request. 2\. Tap to “Decline” the request. 3\. Select the reason “Other” and include “_**scammer**_” in the text field. _**Please Note:** Authentic reports of scam Direct Booking requests will not count against your Acceptance Rate._ #### ## In-App Chat #### From the Wag! Pet Caregiver app home screen:  **On iOS** 1\. Tap on “[Messages](dlwagwalker://messages)” from the bottom nav bar. 2\. Select the chat conversation to report. 3\. Tap on the three dots (“...”) in the top right corner of the chat.  4\. Tap “Flag Pet Parent.” 5\. Select “This is a scam.” **On Android** 1\. Tap on “[Messages](dlwagwalker://messages)” from the bottom nav bar. 2\. Select the chat conversation to report. 3\. Tap on the red flag icon in the top right corner of the chat.  4\. Tap “Flag Pet Parent.” 5\. Select “This is a scam.” #### ## What happens after I place the report? #### Wag! Support thoroughly investigates all reports of scamming, phishing, or fraudulent behavior. While specific account outcomes remain confidential, confirmed bad actors are typically removed from the Wag! Platform, and measures are implemented to prevent their future access. **_If you provided any personal information, it is vital that you treat it as though you were a victim to a scam or phishing attempt to take steps to secure your account._** ## What do I do if I’ve fallen victim to a scam? #### If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a scam or a phishing attempt, take the following steps: 1\. Logout of the app and immediately change the password to your Wag! account. * From the Wag! Pet Caregiver app login page, click “Forgot Password” to reset your Wag! account password. 2\. Contact Stripe to confirm your information hasn’t been compromised. * Reach out to Stripe Support at [support.stripe.com/express](https://support.stripe.com/express) to initiate a chat with Support. 3\. Connect with Wag! Support directly to report. * Reach out through the Help section in the Wag! Pet Caregiver app or by emailing wagsupport@wagwalking.com. #### # **How to Identify Scams or Phishing** #### Scams and phishing attempts are constantly evolving. Scammers primarily use phishing to illicitly obtain information for personal financial gain. They often impersonate businesses like Wag! or use manipulative tactics to achieve their goals. While these attempts can occur on any service, Overnight services (Sittings & Boardings) are frequently targeted due to their higher price point. _**Wag! will never ask for your password / login credentials or your banking information.**_ #### ## Common Scams and Phishing Tactics #### It's important to be aware of potential scams and phishing attempt tactics. Next, let’s take a look at some examples of what these attempts could look like and when to report: #### ### **Requests for Personal Information** #### Scammers may ask for your full name, phone number, email addresses, banking details, or Social Security Number (SSN) through the app. ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/61159410230cde9d5e6fbd8c/116627412d7e706a9d8b7f295a11de25.png) * _**What You Can Do:**_ _Always use the secure in-app chat and call features to communicate with Pet Parents. Chat is available as early as during the booking process, and the call feature will be available the day of the service in the hours before it begins._  * _**When to Report:**_ _If they request your phone number, full name, login credentials, banking information, SSN, and/or other personal information._ ### **Off-App Communication Attempts** #### Be wary of requests to communicate outside the app via phone number, email, or other social media handles. ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/61159410230cde9d5e6fbd8c/436b54e151e3c2431ff2fe37085b992a.png) * _**What You Can Do:**_ _Always use the secure in-app chat and call features to communicate with Pet Parents. Politely decline off-app contact and report to Wag! Support._ * _**_**When to Report:**_** _Anytime you’re asked to communicate off-app.__  ### **Deceptive Off-App Service Offers** #### Scammers might try to lure you with "too good to be true" service offers, often pressuring you to complete transactions outside the app. _**Important!**_ _Conducting off-app services with Pet Parents whom you've met through the Wag! Platform can lead to referral fees and limit your access to future pet care opportunities._ _![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/61159410230cde9d5e6fbd8c/32af7a2a9e5326d13c7b82ea4b898464.png)_ * _**What You Can Do:**_ _It is important to politely decline any requests for off-platform services. Engaging in such services with a Pet Parent met through the Wag! Platform could lead to a referral fee to you._ * _**_**When to Report:**_** _Anytime you’re asked to provide services off-app.__  ### **Off-App Payment Requests** #### Exercise caution if someone asks you to pay off-app (e.g., Venmo, Zelle), especially if they propose paying more than the agreed amount, making it seem advantageous to you. _**Important!**_ _Conducting off-platform services with Pet Parents whom you've met through the Wag! Platform can lead to referral fees and limit your access to future pet care opportunities._ ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/61159410230cde9d5e6fbd8c/9c182c8aeaccd08a2b084372fa144eb8.png) * _**What You Can Do:** Decline requests for off-platform services and payments, politely explaining that you conduct your pet care business exclusively through the Wag! Platform._ * _**_**When to Report:**_** Anytime you’re asked to provide services off-app._ ### **Menacing or Threatening Behavior** #### Scammers may initially engage in casual conversation, but their tactics often escalate to intimidation. This can involve threats to cancel services, ban your account, report you to Wag!, impose fees, or withhold your pay. Such actions are deliberate tactics designed to jeopardize your account standing or earnings. ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/61159410230cde9d5e6fbd8c/f64b031dfa7ebb7095ba4c81ae70813f.png) * _**What You Can Do:** Discontinue the conversation, whether it’s disengaging in further communication or immediately reporting via the in-app chat._  * _**_**When to Report:**_** Immediately do so anytime a potential client brings up your account standing or discussions about your pay being jeopardized as a result of the conversation. This is a major red flag that they are not legitimate users. Wag! will not discuss your account standing nor your payout / earnings with anyone other than you._  ### **Suspicious Links, Texts, or Emails** #### Watch out for deceptive links, text messages, or emails that appear legitimate but are designed to trick you into clicking them, potentially leading to malware. ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/61159410230cde9d5e6fbd8c/bfa4276f371b3b2d14147610a52904e0.png) * _**What You Can Do:** _Do not click_ on links or attachments._  * _**_**When to Report:**_** When links or attachments are paired with other suspicious behavior, like requesting personal information or using threatening language._  ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/61159410230cde9d5e6fbd8c/ab13680105ebe2bb8437aede8b886a61.png) * _**What You Can Do:** Disengage in the conversation. It’s recommended to cease communications and immediately contact Wag! Support directly._ * _**_**When to Report:**_** Any and every time this behavior occurs. Even if a Pet Parent is not attempting to scam or phishing, disrespectful interactions are not tolerated on the platform and need to be reported to Wag! Support._ #### # **Proactively Protect Your Information** #### Securing your information on the Wag! Platform is a collaborative effort. While we implement robust measures to safeguard your data, your vigilance plays a crucial role in maintaining a safe community. By being informed and cautious, you can help deter scammers and ensure a positive experience. #### ## Tips for Creating a Strong Password #### In addition to being savvy to potential scams and phishing attempts, you can also help protect your account against unauthorized use by choosing a secure login password. Here are some of the best practices to follow when creating a password: **Do Use** **Do Not Use** Do **Use** a longer keyboard pattern that includes characters from all four rows of the keypad Do **Not** Use straight rows of keys Do **Use** more than 8 characters Do **Not** Use short keyboard patterns Do **Use** both uppercase and lowercase letters Do **Not** Use repeats like "aaa" Do **Use** a mix of numbers and special characters (i.e., # @ $ % &) Do **Not** Use sequences like "abc" or "6543"  Do **Not** Use repeats like "abcabcabc" are only slightly harder to guess than "abc" Do **Not** Use dates and years that are associated with you Do **Not** Use people or pet names that are associated with you Do **Not** Use recent years Do **Not** Use all uppercase is almost as easy to guess as all lowercase Do **Not** Use reversed words may be easy to guess Do **Not** Use substitutions like "@" instead of "at" #### ## In Recap #### * Always use the secure in-app chat for communication. * Report any suspicious activity or concerns to Wag! Support promptly. * Protect your personal information and never share sensitive data outside the platform. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to Wag! Support. We are dedicated to ensuring a safe platform for everyone involved. Thank you for your proactive participation in keeping our community secure!