Venting Works helps connect people looking for in-home support with those offering their services. However, meeting someone you do not know always involves some level of risk.
Take the time to verify the information you receive, protect your personal information, and trust your judgment. If a situation makes you uncomfortable, you can end the communication at any time.
Protect Your Personal Information
Never post the following information in a profile, listing, or any publicly accessible area:
- your exact home address;
- your personal phone number;
- your personal email address;
- your passwords or banking information;
- your Social Insurance Number (SIN);
- a copy of your driver’s licence, passport, or other identification;
- detailed or confidential medical information;
- information that could identify a vulnerable person.
Only provide your city, borough, or general area. Wait until you have established a reasonable level of trust before sharing information necessary to arrange a meeting.
Take the Time to Talk Before Meeting
Before meeting someone, discuss your expectations and ask specific questions about:
- the services being offered or requested;
- relevant experience;
- availability;
- the location and duration of the service;
- the tasks that will need to be performed;
- the rate and method of payment;
- allergies, pets, or other important considerations;
- the limits of what the person is willing or authorized to do.
Be cautious of vague, contradictory, or overly insistent responses. A trustworthy person should be willing to answer reasonable questions.
Verify Identity, References, and Qualifications
Before entering into an arrangement, you may ask for:
- proof of identity, which can be reviewed in person without necessarily keeping a copy;
- recent references;
- proof of training, licensing, or certification when required for the service;
- a criminal background check when appropriate and permitted by law.
Contact references yourself and ask about the person’s reliability, punctuality, and the nature of the services they provided.
The publication or approval of a profile on Venting Works does not mean that the person’s identity, references, qualifications, licences, or background have been verified.
Start Gradually
For a first experience, consider arranging a shorter meeting or service period. This gives both parties an opportunity to determine whether they feel comfortable and whether their expectations are compatible.
Do not immediately leave someone you do not know alone with a vulnerable person, children, keys, pets, medications, or valuables.
Clearly Establish the Terms
Before services begin, put the main terms of the arrangement in writing, including:
- the agreed-upon tasks;
- the days and hours;
- the agreed-upon rate;
- the method and timing of payment;
- cancellation arrangements;
- any expenses that may be reimbursed;
- how either party may end the arrangement;
- who should be contacted in an emergency.
Even a simple written agreement can help prevent misunderstandings.
Be Careful With Payments
Do not send money before verifying the person’s identity and understanding exactly what the payment is for.
Be particularly cautious if someone:
- requests an urgent payment;
- demands payment using gift cards, cryptocurrency, or an unusual transfer method;
- sends a cheque for more than the agreed-upon amount;
- asks you to return part of a payment;
- asks for your banking information or passwords;
- asks you to receive or transfer money on their behalf;
- makes an offer that seems too good to be true.
Keep records of agreements, communications, hours worked, and payments made.
Respect Professional Boundaries
Certain tasks, including medical care, administering medications, or certain types of personal care, may require specific training, authorization, or licensing.
Before entrusting someone with such a task, verify that they have the necessary qualifications. A person offering services should never accept a task they cannot perform competently and safely.
Watch for Warning Signs
End the communication or meeting if someone:
- threatens or intimidates you;
- pressures you for money or personal information;
- refuses to answer reasonable questions;
- provides contradictory information;
- does not respect your boundaries;
- asks you to keep certain activities secret;
- tries to isolate you from friends or family;
- engages in discriminatory, violent, sexual, or otherwise inappropriate behaviour;
- appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while providing services.
Your safety is more important than avoiding an awkward situation or worrying about appearing impolite.
Report Suspicious Behaviour
If you notice a concerning profile, listing, message, or behaviour, stop communicating with the person and use the Contact Us page to report it to Venting Works.
Keep messages, receipts, screenshots, and any other relevant information. Do not confront someone if doing so could put your safety at risk.
Venting Works may review a report and take action regarding the use of the platform. However, Venting Works is not a substitute for the police, social services, or emergency services.
In Case of Emergency
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, leave the area if you can do so safely and call 911.
Venting Works is not an emergency service and cannot intervene directly in a dangerous situation.
Important Reminder
Venting Works is a directory and connection service. Venting Works is not a placement agency, an employer, or a care provider.
Each user is responsible for evaluating the people they communicate with, carrying out any checks they consider necessary, and deciding whether they wish to enter into an arrangement.